The Yoshino cherry tree, Prunus x yedoensis, is widely celebrated for its display of pale pink to white blossoms that define the beginning of spring. Once the last petals have fallen, the tree transitions from its brief flowering spectacle into its long summer phase, which spans from June through August. Understanding this mature, non-flowering appearance is important for anyone who wishes to appreciate the tree’s year-round structure and maintain its health through the hottest months of the year. This summer period reveals the tree’s true form, its role in the local ecosystem, and its specific needs for enduring heat and pests.
The Summer Foliage and Canopy
During the summer, the Yoshino cherry tree is defined by its dense green canopy that provides substantial shade. The leaves are ovate or oblong, typically measuring two to five inches long, with serrated edges. These leaves emerge after the flowers fade, creating a thick, broad-rounded, and often vase-shaped crown that can reach a spread of 30 to 40 feet at maturity.
The foliage maintains a consistent, deep green coloration throughout the season until it begins its transition to yellow and bronze in the fall. Beneath the spreading canopy, the tree’s bark offers a smooth, grayish-brown texture. The bark is characteristically marked by horizontal dashes, known as lenticels, which become more prominent as the tree ages.
Fruit Production and Wildlife Interaction
Following the spring bloom, the Yoshino cherry tree produces small, round fruits. These fruits are pea-sized, typically growing to about a half-inch in diameter, and ripen to a shiny, dark black color during the summer. While these drupes are technically edible, they are extremely sour and bitter, and are not cultivated for human consumption.
The small cherries do, however, serve a biological purpose by contributing to the local food web. Various species of birds are highly attracted to the ripened fruit and consume them quickly. This interaction disperses the seeds, allowing the tree to fulfill its reproductive function and support wildlife throughout the summer.
Managing Summer Stress and Pests
The summer season poses the greatest environmental challenges for the Yoshino cherry tree, in the form of heat and drought. Although the tree has moderate drought tolerance, it does not tolerate prolonged dryness and requires deep, regular watering, especially during extended dry spells. Watering should be focused on saturating the root zone to encourage deep root growth.
Maintaining evenly moist, well-drained soil is important, as water stress makes the tree more susceptible to common summer pests. Warm weather brings an increased risk of infestations from pests like aphids and spider mites, which can cause leaf yellowing or a stippled appearance on the foliage. These soft-bodied insects can be managed with a strong, directed spray of water to dislodge them from the leaves, or the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
More serious threats include borers and scale, which often target trees already weakened by heat or poor health. Borers tunnel into the wood, and their presence can often be prevented by simply ensuring the tree remains vigorous and well-hydrated throughout the summer. Pruning during the summer is suitable for minor corrective cuts or the removal of diseased or damaged branches, which helps maintain the tree’s structural integrity.