[BabyGardner]

In my yard, I have a 80 foot oak tree. I do have another tree about 20 feet from it, towards the front of the yard and another tree ahead of that (on the street) about 10 feet in distance.

On the property next there me, there was some sort of berry tree located roughly 15 feet from the oak tree. Under it on my side of the fence, I planted my azalea and rhododendron bushes. It was the perfect located for them since they were in shade. Earlier this year, my neighbors cut down the tree, leaving the bushes to be exposed to the sun for the majority of the day.

To help the bushes, I would like to plant a Subhirtella Weeping Cherry... but there is a fear that the roots will choke and kill the oak tree. I wouldn't think it would be a problem since there was already a living tree in the same area that didn't affect the growth of the oak... especially since the oak tree is so established.

I've been doing research with little help found on the internet... so I figured I would take my question to the experts.



The arrow shows where the tree used to stand. Where the potted cherry tree is located now is the general spot I would like to place it... maybe a little closer to the fence.

[VoodooChile]

That little cherries roots aren't going to impact that large oak's root system for a long time, if ever. Who told you it would, and what were their reasons for concern?

In general, Prunus species like your cherry languish in anything less than full sun, and judging from the arrow and the fence, it looks to be less than 12' from the oak. So I'm guessing that it will have to deal some shade, and will not exactly grow like gangbusters...

[BabyGardner]

My family members were the ones with the concern of the Cherry's root system chocking the Oaks... no one professional, lol. I think they were worried of the oak dying because they are attached to the tree. When I bought the tree, I was figuring that since there was already a tree that was equal distance that survived and didn't effect the Oak, that the Cherry would be the same. If anything, the Cherry would have a stunted growth.

Believe it or not, the area gets sunny in the morning and late afternoon. However, it would never be exposed to full sun.

Thank you so much for answer my question. I would love to get the tree planted today.

[VoodooChile]

I know one nurseryman-- Connor Shaw of Possibility Place Nursery in Monee IL.-- who believes Oaks do better in the close company of other Oaks. I'm not sure this principle applies to another genus like Prunus.

Morning and late afternoon sun is not the same thing as mid-day sun. I would consider the exposure you describe partial-shade, and would plant something else that tolerates partial shade better than a Weeping Cherry.

[TrickyDick]

You should also consider that planting a weeping tree that will want its branches arching to the ground is not going top provide shade for your rhodies as much as it will provide them with a tent. Plant an upright, understory tree like a red bud, dogwood, serviceberry, magnolia or something along those lines. I wouldn't worry about the roots.