The weeping cherry tree (Prunus Pendula) is an ornamental tree, meaning it is not bred for its fruit but rather for its natural beauty.
Unlike other ornamental cherry tree varieties, the weeping cherry tree has long, slender branches that reach down toward the ground, providing a beautiful umbrella-like show of blossoms in the spring.
How big do weeping cherry trees get?
Weeping cherry trees range from 6 feet tall and wide to 30 feet tall and wide. The variety and whether the tree is dwarf or standard are the important factors. A standard weeping cherry tree will reach 20 to 25 feet tall and wide, while a dwarf variety will reach 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.
Tree size is impacted by many factors; read on to learn more.
For a tree as beautiful as a weeping cherry tree, you’ll want to give it the best possible care. I explain the basics and important tips in my detailed Weeping Cherry Tree Care Guide. Don’t miss it!
Weeping Cherry Tree Size
The weeping cherry tree comes in multiple varieties. Depending on which type of tree you have, the size could vary greatly.
Standard Weeping Cherry Tree Size
A standard weeping cherry tree typically grows to 20 to 25 feet tall and wide, with some varieties growing larger.
Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree Size
Dwarf weeping cherry trees are smaller than standard weeping cherry trees, but they can occasionally grow up to 20 feet tall and wide. This makes a dwarf weeping cherry tree occasionally the same size as a standard weeping cherry tree!
Typically, dwarf weeping cherry trees will be roughly half the size of a standard weeping cherry tree, with some reaching two-thirds the size. Expect a dwarf weeping cherry tree to be 10 to 15 feet tall.
Examples of Weeping Cherry Tree Sizes
Different varieties of weeping cherry trees will tend to vary greatly. Below is a list of common varieties and their expected sizes:
| Variety | Average Mature Size |
| Snow Fountain | 8 to 15 feet tall,6 to 12 feet wide |
| Weeping Yoshino | 15-20 feet tall,20-30 feet wide |
| Weeping Higan | 15-20 feet tall,15-20 feet wide |
| Double Weeping Rosebud | 15-20 feet tall,15-20 feet wide |
| Cheal’s Weeping Cherry | 10-15 feet tall,10-15 feet wide |
| Pink Snow Showers™ | 25-35 feet tall,20-25 feet wide |
| White Weeping Cherry | 8-15 feet tall,6-12 feet wide |
| Weeping Extraordinaire™ | 15-20 feet tall,15-20 feet wide |
| Pink Cascade | 10-12 feet tall,10-12 feet wide |
Factors That Affect Weeping Cherry Tree Size
As with any species, multiple factors can impact the overall size of your weeping cherry tree. Below are some of those factors:
1. Variety
As you saw in the chart above, depending on the variety of weeping cherry tree you have, the height can range from as short as 6 feet to as tall as 35 feet! The width will range roughly the same amount.
The variety of weeping cherry tree is an extremely important factor when considering the size of your adult tree.
2. Standard or Dwarf
Fully grown dwarf weeping cherry trees will typically be 50-66% the size of a standard weeping cherry tree.
3. Pruning
Pruning a weeping cherry tree is important to maintain its shape and overall health. However, there are important considerations to consider before pruning a weeping cherry tree.
Determine whether your tree is natural or grafted.
If your tree is grafted, it will have a knot in its trunk where the scion was grafted onto the stock tree. The knot will be near the tree’s crown, anywhere from a foot below the crown on up.
The main difference in pruning a natural or grafted tree is what to do with the branches that are sticking straight up.
On a natural tree, the branches that are sticking up should be left in place. These branches will eventually begin to “weep” and fall toward the ground as they grow.
On a grafted tree, the branches sticking straight up should be pruned. A grafted tree’s branches will not fall toward the ground but will remain sticking into the air. This will ruin the “weeping” look of the tree over time.
Aside from the above differences, all weeping cherry trees should be pruned in the following manner:
A weeping cherry tree should be pruned when it’s dormant. If there are no flowers or leaves open on the tree and it’s early spring or late fall, it will be safe to prune your tree.
Any dead or diseased branches on your weeping cherry tree should also be removed. This will help prevent disease from spreading and damaging your tree.
Finally, prune your tree for its overall shape. This is largely personal preference, but the crown should be uniform from all sides (or the sides that are viewed most often), and the branches should be at least 6 inches off the ground.
4. Growing Conditions
Weeping cherry trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. If these conditions aren’t met, the tree may have stunted growth and potentially die if root rot sets in due to soil that allows water to stagnate.
While weeping cherry trees prefer full sun, they will tolerate light shade. Ideally, find a place that receives as much sun as possible; this will allow your weeping cherry tree to grow and bloom at its best.
5. Tree Health
Weeping cherry trees are easy to grow, but as with many trees, they are susceptible to disease. If a regular pruning routine is maintained and the tree is in well-draining soil, your tree should grow well.
If a disease is allowed to set in, the tree will likely stunt, favor a side that will ruin its uniformity, or possibly even die.
Weeping Cherry Tree Growth Rate
The factors above that determine the overall size of your weeping cherry tree will also affect its growth rate. Ultimately, expect your tree to grow at a rate of about 1 to 2 feet per year.
When To Plant a Weeping Cherry Tree?
Spring is the best time to plant a weeping cherry tree, although any time of year is acceptable.
How Much Space Do Weeping Cherry Trees Need?
Since weeping cherry trees are wide, they need more space around them than other trees might. While 6 to 8 feet is the minimum for spacing for adult tree health, it would be wise to allow double that spacing so the tree can be allowed to spread and look as natural as possible.
Where Can I Buy a Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree?
Most local home improvement stores will carry dwarf weeping cherry trees, but there are online sources as well:
Related Questions:
Do Weeping Cherry Trees Make a Mess?
Weeping cherry trees will drop their blooms in the spring and leaves in the fall. Aside from that, there is little mess from a weeping cherry tree.
Do Weeping Cherry Trees Have Invasive Roots?
Weeping cherry trees do not have aggressive root systems. They are not invasive and are not dangerous to other trees or septic systems.
Do Weeping Cherry Trees Lose Their Leaves in Winter?
Weeping cherry trees are deciduous trees, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter. The leaves will turn bright yellow before dropping. They are a beautiful four-season tree, showcasing a different look each season.
Conclusion
A weeping cherry tree is a great addition to any environment, adding natural beauty in the spring with its flowers and a centerpiece year-round.
With its size from 6 to 30 feet depending on variety, there’s a weeping cherry tree for any ornamental garden.
Ready to learn more about weeping cherry trees? Be sure to read these articles next for helpful information and key insights:
