cherry blossom tree with pink blooms

The World of Cherry Blossom Trees

Cherry Blossom trees are blooming cherry trees, known for their gorgeous pink and white blossoms. These flowers are a symbol of renewal, due to their annual bloom that signifies that spring is once again here! They are also a symbol of the ever-changing nature of life, with their bloom coming and going in a two-week time period.

History of Cherry Blossom Trees 

The Cherry Blossoms originate from Japan and were introduced to the United States in the 19th century. In Japan, the Cherry Blossom represents revival and has a large cultural significance in the country. In 1912, Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry blossoms to the states as a gift as a gesture of friendship.

 Every spring since then, the cherry blossom tree-lined paths of Washington DC, Manhattan, and our wonderful home, Macon, GA, blossom in the spring. Along with other cities around the world, we here in Macon celebrate this annual bloom with an international cherry blossom festival.

The Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA

So how did these trees end up in Macon? In 1949, William A. Fickling found a unique blossom in his backyard, and soon discovered it was a Yoshino Cherry Tree, the tree we lovingly call cherry blossom. Fickling then distributed the cherry blossoms throughout the city, and later in 1982, Carolyn Crayton founded the Cherry Blossom Festival we now have!

The historical roots of the Cherry Blossom Festival make it a loved and anticipated event, with 30+ events spanning the two-week period. People travel from all over to enjoy the beautiful Cherry Blossoms and the fun events throughout the city!

Growing Your Own Cherry Blossoms in Middle Georgia

With Macon becoming the pinkest city in the world during the Cherry Blossom season, it’s easy to notice how well these trees grow and thrive in this climate.

While they are accustomed to this climate, and provide beautiful florals and greenery (after their bloom), there are a few things to know when buying and planting a Cherry Blossom.

Types of Cherry Blossom Trees

There are many hundred varieties of cherry trees and they all have varying characteristics. Cherry trees typically grow in many shapes and sizes, and the different varieties can have different colored blooms, leaf shape and color, number of petals, and more. They can even bloom at different times, meaning that the time for cherry blossom viewing will be dependent on the type of cherry tree you get.

The main types of Cherry Blossom Trees are:

  • The Okame Cherry Tree: This tree blooms early in the spring, and it has a medium pink color of flowers.
  • The Kwanzan Cherry Tree is a blooming cherry tree that has deep dark pink blossoms and blooms in the late spring.
  • The Yoshino Cherry Trees have white blooms, in the summer.

Planting a Cherry Blossom Tree

Cherry blossoms need a lot of sunlight and rich, fertile soil. It should be grown in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and with good drainage. The cherry tree can grow up to 30 feet high and wide and will need a place that can support that size.

When planting a cherry blossom tree, it’s important to remember:

  1. Plant your tree after the last frost
  2. Space the tree out about 15 feet from other greenery
  3. Stake the tree so it is supported as it grows
  4. Water thoroughly,
  5. Fertilize around the roots

To care for a cherry blossom tree requires very little maintenance. When cared for properly, it will grow one to two feet a year.

The tree must only be watered during prolonged summer dry periods, as the roots do not thrive in soggy soil. The roots should also be fertilized in the spring with granular fertilizer.

Like other trees, pruning helps maintain the shape, integrity, and cosmetics of the flowering cherry trees. It is important to only prune while the tree is actively growing, from May to August.

Gray Brothers Tree Service for Your Cherry Blossoms

We at GBTS, appreciate the beauty and meaning behind cherry blossom trees and are happy to assist you with your cherry blossom tree needs. We offer pruning services to help upkeep an existing tree, and can also help with the stump and tree removal to make room for your new cherry blossom tree.

We are available 24/7 for your support. Please contact us here for a consult or service.

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