Ornamental trees add beauty, structure, and seasonal interest to any landscape. Single-stemmed tree-form and grafted ornamental trees are especially unique because they have been carefully trained or grafted to grow in a specific way, often featuring a decorative canopy of flowers, leaves, or fruit. However, these trees require special care to keep them healthy and looking their best.
In this guide, we'll cover what tree-form and grafted ornamental trees are, how to plant them correctly, and how to maintain them year after year.
What Are Tree-Form and Grafted Ornamental Trees?
A grafted or tree-form ornamental tree is a small, decorative tree that has been pruned and shaped to develop a clear trunk with a rounded, weeping or umbrella-like canopy. Read more about these types of unique trees here. Common examples include:
- Tree-Form Shrubs – An evergreen or flowering tree trained to grow as a small tree with a flowering top.
- Flowering Shrubs like Roses, Lilacs, Hydrangeas, Althea, Gardenia, Viburnum, Ninebark, and Sand Cherry
- Holly
- Woody Perennial Shrubs like Lavender
- Dwarf Trees like Ginkgo
- Weeping Trees & Shrubs – A naturally graceful, arching tree with cascading branches.
- Tree-Form Vines – Ornamental vines and climbing plants trained atop a standard trunk. This includes:
- Trumpet Vines
- Climbing Roses
- Wisteria
- Oleander
A grafted ornamental tree is a tree that has had two different plants joined together through grafting. This technique allows a tree to have the desirable traits of both plants. The lower part (rootstock) provides strength and hardiness, while the upper part (scion) produces decorative flowers, leaves, or fruit. Examples include:
- Grafted Japanese Maples – These trees have unique foliage and are often grafted onto a hardy rootstock.
- Grafted Weeping Trees – Such as weeping Crabapples, which are trained to cascade from the graft point.
- Grafted Fruit Trees – Some fruit trees have multiple types of fruit grafted onto one tree.
Because of their special structure, these trees need proper planting, pruning, and care to thrive.
How to Plant Tree-Form and Grafted Ornamental Trees
Proper planting is essential for the long-term health of tree-form and grafted trees.
Follow these steps to ensure success.
Choosing the Right Location
- Pick a spot with the right amount of sunlight for your tree form variety. Most ornamental trees need full sun to partial shade. Hot growing zones will find their trees appreciate afternoon sun protection.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Choose an area with well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Digging the Hole
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root system.
- Do not bury the graft union (the swollen area where the tree was grafted). Keep it above the soil line to prevent the rootstock from taking over.
Backfilling and Watering
- Fill in the hole with the original soil, avoiding excessive amendments that can cause weak root growth.
- Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Mulching
- Add a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Staking
- Many newly installed trees of all kinds appreciate staking to support a nice straight trunk while their roots become established. Secure with soft ties and check these ties often to ensure they do not dig into the trunk as they grow, and ensure they do not rub the bark. Once the tree is established, you can remove the stake.
Maintenance and Care For Your Tree-Form and Grafted Ornamental Trees
Regular care ensures your tree remains healthy, shapely, and long-lived.
Watering
- Newly planted trees need regular watering until they establish roots, usually for the first one to two years.
- Once established, water deeply once a week if there is no rainfall. Avoid shallow, frequent watering.
Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and blooms.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
- Grafted trees require selective pruning to remove any unwanted growth from the rootstock. If shoots appear below the graft union, cut them off immediately.
- For tree-form varieties, prune depending on the variety. Some varieties should be pruned when dormant and others should be pruned immediately after flowering. Remove:
- Dead or diseased branches
- Weak, crossing, or inward-growing limbs
- Excess growth that affects the tree’s shape - typically can cut back the head of the tree form by a third.
- Weeping or umbrella-shaped trees may need light trimming to maintain their elegant form.
- Remove suckers that will sap your tree of energy, and remove water growth that will clutter up the canopy.
Staking and Support
- Some tree-form and grafted trees have weaker trunks and need staking for the first one to two years.
- Use soft ties to secure the tree to the stake, allowing some movement to encourage strong root development.
Winter Protection
- If you live in a cold climate, wrap the trunk with burlap or tree wrap in winter to prevent sunscald and frost cracks.
- For small or newly planted trees, consider mulching around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Pest and Disease Prevention
- Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, scale, and borers. Treat infestations early with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
Easy Care Elevated Elegance With Tree Form Ornamentals!
Tree-form and grafted ornamental trees can be stunning focal points in any landscape, providing seasonal color, unique structure, and long-lasting beauty. By planting them correctly, pruning as needed, and providing consistent care, you can enjoy their elegance and charm for many years.
Whether you're growing a Weeping Cherry, a tree-form Rose, or a grafted Japanese Maple, giving your tree the right attention will ensure strong growth and spectacular blooms every season.
If you're looking for high-quality ornamental trees, check out our wide selection of grafted and tree-form trees today!
Happy Planting!
