Weeping Cherry Tree Not Flowering

Q: I have weeping cherry tree that is about 6' tall that we transplanted a year ago from one part of the yard to the front yard. It is still alive but has not put out any new buds or flowers since the transplant why? Will the tree return to it's prior condition?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Susan From New York

A: Hi Susan,

Here is what I know about cherry trees. Regardless of the variety, most of them prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Did either of these conditions change from the backyard to the front yard? Cherry trees are also easily damaged by planting them too deeply, or by allowing mulch to remain against the lower trunk.

In general, the older the tree (assuming it's a bare-root tree and not a tree from a container) the more susceptible it is to transplant shock because it usually requires severing a greater number of large roots. Cherry trees respond well to fertilizer. If you're sure your tree is still alive, I would suggest giving it a boost of tree fertilizer in March. Use one especially formulated for cherry trees and apply it around the drip line in the amount directed on the package.

Another thing to pay attention to is whether or not other flowering trees in your area are doing anything. If they are, then your tree either suffered some kind of stress when you moved it or the soil or light conditions are no longer supporting it. Just like people, older trees can need extra time to adapt to change. If it's still alive, there's a good chance it will come back.

More Answers:

Weeping Cherry Tree Not Flowering

Your tree is probably suffering from transplant shock. It may take 1-3 years to recover and return to normal blooming. Is the sun/shade exposure differnt than the original location? Is the soil wetter or drier than the original location? Both of these can affect the tree's recover and ultimately its survival. (02/27/2006)

By Kirsten Poole