Katsura Tree

Katsura Tree

Katsura tree that grows up to 70 feet height and spreads up to 50 feet is a deciduous tree that grows well in acidic soil. Its heart shaped leaves turn red, yellow or orange in the fall and give a gorgeous look to the landscape where they are grown. This beautiful Katsura tree requires regular maintenance for long life. However, they are disease and pest resistant and hence, their maintenance is less laborious. It cannot tolerate drought conditions and extreme high temperatures. It grows well in Japan, South central China and New York, Massachusetts and Ohio in United States. This article presents few tips for taking care of the Katsura tree

Simple Tips To Take Care Of Katsura Tree

1. For faster and perfect growth plant the Katsura tree in well drained, slightly acidic soil that receives plenty of sunrays. Spring season is the right time to plant Katsura trees.
2. Water the plants well during the summer season once in a week. However, it has to be watered daily in the first few years for proper establishment.
3. To keep the soil moist and to prevent the growth of weeds apply about one inch of mulch layer around the tree. Never use deep layers of mulch as the roots stay close to the surface.
4. Trim the broken or dead branches during the late winter. As the main trunk of the Katsura tree grows up to one to two meters height it is recommended to cut down the branches that form low on the stem. Never hard prune the Katsura tree.  If the tree is not pruned at least once in a year the wood may break and the suckers may also find their place to grow. If the suckers grow on the branches the growth of the tree reduces as they compete for water and essential nutrients. As the tree ages the branches spread well and these heavy branches should be trimmed to prevent inconvenience to the pedestrians.
5. Apply water soluble fertilizer during the spring and fall season. A 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer is used for Katsura tree after the first year of planting.
6. Young Katsura trees have a thin bark that is to be protected from splitting during winter. Hence, either tree wrap or shade is used on the south and west sides in the winter season. It is recommended to use tree tubes for easy establishment of young Katsura.

Why to grow Katsura tree?

• This medium to large tree with dense foliage spreads well and offers shade during sunny days.
• The foliage changes color throughout the year. The attractive part is the intense yellow to orange color that can be enjoyed during the fall season. Any landscape with Katsura trees looks stunning during the fall season.
• During the autumn the falling leaves give a caramel odor that drags you to sit under it and enjoy that scent and scenic beauty.
• Katsura tree that is used as an ornamental tree also provides soft white wood that is used Japan and China for the making of cabinets.