How to Keep Your Cornelian Cherry Tree Healthy in Winter?

The Cornelian cherry tree (Cornus mas) is well known for its unique, bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. It is a deciduous tree native to Europe and Western Asia, and it can be grown in most temperate regions of the world.

If you have a Cornelian cherry tree on your property, then you may be wondering how best to care for it during the winter months. Read on for tips on how to keep your Cornelian cherry healthy and happy throughout the colder seasons.

Watering During WintertimeIt's important to keep the root system of your Cornelian cherry adequately watered during the winter season because this will help to protect it from extremely cold temperatures. Invest in a quality soil moisture meter and check weekly to make sure that the soil remains moist but not soggy. 

Be sure not to overwater as doing so can cause root rot. You may also want to consider mulching around the base of your tree with straw or wood chips to help retain moisture and insulate against freezing temperatures.

Fertilization

You should fertilize your Cornelian cherry twice a year—once in late winter/early spring (February or March) and again during mid-summer (July or August). Look out for signs of nutrient deficiencies such as yellow leaves or stunted growth, which could indicate that your tree needs more fertilizer. If this is the case, try using an organic fertilizer formulated specifically for trees and shrubs every few weeks until symptoms improve.

Pruning

Pruning should be done after flowering has finished, usually between late May/early June and September/October, depending on where you live. Prune any dead or diseased branches first before cutting back any shoots that are growing too close together or are crossing over each other; this will help promote air circulation through the plant's canopy. Additionally, remove any suckers (shoots growing from the rootstock at ground level) as these can steal energy from the main stem of your tree.

With proper care and maintenance techniques, it is possible to keep your Cornelian cherry Dogwood healthy even through cold winters. Remember to water regularly but not excessively, fertilize twice per year with a balanced fertilizer formula, and prune away any dead or diseased branches once flowering has finished. Following these steps will ensure that your Cornelian cherry continues to thrive no matter what mother nature throws its way!

Read my other blog: https://medium.com/@tylerdonawan/7-tips-to-save-your-cornelian-cherry-from-winter-death-8fec5b1555b9