The Pros and Cons of Autumn Cherry Trees

Autumn cherry trees are a unique variety of cherry tree that bloom twice a year – once in spring and again in fall. Their graceful branches and delicate blossoms make them a popular choice for home landscapes. But are autumn cherry trees right for your yard? In this article we’ll explore the pros and cons of these double-blooming beauties.

The Pros

Twice the Blooms

The main draw of autumn cherry trees is their twice-annual blooming habit. While most cherry trees only flower for a week or two in spring, autumn cherries offer a spring show of flowers followed by an encore performance in fall. Their blossoms start out as deep pink buds which open to pale pink and finally fade to white. The spring blooms emerge first, before the leaves. Then after the leaves change color in fall, clusters of flowers cover the bare branches again.

Graceful Shape

Autumn cherry trees have a naturally attractive shape with broad, upright branching. Their canopy spreads out evenly, making them ideal for providing shade. The oval leaves offer summer greenery which turns to a mix of bronze, gold and red in the fall before dropping.

Fast Growth

Another plus is that autumn cherry trees grow quickly when young, putting on 2 feet or more per year until maturity. This means you don’t have to wait long to enjoy a mature, blooming specimen. They reach an ultimate height and width of 20-35 feet.

Cold Hardiness

Despite their delicate flowers, autumn cherry trees are quite cold hardy. They thrive in USDA zones 5-8, meaning they can handle frigid winter temperatures as low as -20°F once established. Their early spring blooms are resilient to late frosts.

Wildlife Interest

The spring flowers give way to small berry-like fruits that attract birds and other wildlife to the garden for feeding. While the bitter fruits are inedible for humans, they provide an excellent source of food for songbirds when other food sources are still scarce.

Adaptability

Autumn cherry trees are adaptable and able to tolerate various soil types, including clay, loam and sand. They prefer moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil but will be flexible in less ideal conditions. However, extremely soggy or compacted soil can cause problems.

The Cons

Short Flowering Time

The main drawback of autumn cherries is that their flowering period is quite short. Each bloom session only lasts for about 1-2 weeks. The rest of the year, the trees are purely foliage plants. Some feel the trees are boring or plain when not in bloom.

Fruit Litter

If you don’t want to attract birds to your yard, avoid autumn cherry trees. The fruits will litter the ground beneath the tree as they ripen and fall. Since the fruits are bitter and inedible for people, the litter can be a nuisance. Fallen fruits may also stain pavements.

Shallow Roots

Autumn cherry trees tend to develop shallow root systems. This makes them more prone to uprooting from high winds once established. The shallow roots may also interfere with lawns, becoming obstacle that requires avoidancing when mowing.

Susceptibility to Disease

Cherry trees tend to be susceptible to certain fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and black knot. Proper spacing for airflow and sanitation practices are important for prevention. Quickly removing fallen leaves in autumn can reduce disease pressure.

Pest Problems

Birds aren’t the only wildlife attracted to autumn cherry trees. Some common insect pests like aphids, tent caterpillars, and borers may infest the trees and require management. Japanese beetles are also extremely fond of cherry leaves.

Messy Fruit Removal

Pruning out the small fruits after they form prevents litter and staining from dropped fruits. However, this can be a tedious task on a large autumn cherry. Frequent pruning is needed to keep the spent fruits picked off before they fall.

Considerations for Growing Autumn Cherry Trees

Plant in Full Sun

Autumn cherries need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is preferable to encourage flowering. Insufficient sunlight will result in sparse blossoms and weak growth.

Give Them Room

Allow enough space for the 25-35 foot wide canopy to fully develop. Plant trees at least 30 feet apart and avoid tight spaces.

Water Regularly

Supplement rainfall as needed to keep soil moist but not saturated. Drought stress will cause leaf drop and prevent flowering.

Apply Spring Fertilizer

If growth seems slow, fertilize in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Avoid over-fertilizing which can harm the tree.

Prune Selectively

Prune only to maintain shape and remove dead/damaged branches. Autumn blooms form on old wood, so avoid heavy pruning.

Monitor for Pests

Inspect trees frequently and treat infestations promptly to prevent major pest damage. Targeted sprays or organic solutions may be needed.

The Bottom Line

For gardens with ample space, autumn cherry trees provide seasonal beauty and wildlife appeal. Their double blooming flowers grace the landscape in spring and fall. However, their brief flowering, fruit litter, and pest susceptibility require some maintenance. Their cultural requirements also limit suitable planting sites. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if autumn cherries are the right fit for your particular landscape. With proper care in an appropriate setting, they can become a prized specimen.