Three things I wish someone had told me before growing Cherry Blossom

After growing Cherry Blossom for over a year here is what I'd tell a beginner.

First: formative pruning in the first five years to build a clear leader is not optional — it's the foundation everything else depends on. Second: scale insects or aphids in the canopy attracting sooty mould will happen and you should know how to handle it before it does. Third: a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space genuinely matters — the right position unlocks canopy habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife in a way a poor position never will. full canopy providing shade and habitat in summer is the payoff for getting all of this right. It's worth every bit of effort.