Weeping Cherry Pruning and Sucker Removal

Pruning Principles

• Strong central leader essential for weeping form.
• Prune late summer/fall (less sap bleed).
• Young tree: evaluate, minimal cuts, remove water sprouts/suckers.
• Mature: let weeping branches drape; mulch under instead of tip-pruning.
• Side limbs: let droop, prune only when touch ground.

Large Upright Sucker (2.5″)

Remove it now (dormant season ideal). It's a rootstock sucker or vigorous water sprout—competes with leader, ruins form. Cut at base, no stub.

Long-Term

Weeping cherries need space (30 ft diameter). Plant with evergreen backdrop for contrast.