Pruning a Weeping Cherry

[rltmd]

I have two weeping cherry trees in the mountains of western NC. I need to know when is the best time to prune the branches that are growing straight up in the top of the tree. It has been a very dry summer here but temperatures are finally cooling off...down in the 30's last night.
Thanks.
rltmd

 

[appalachianarbo]

rltmd,

Now is a fine time to prune them. The leaves have already transferred their energy to the roots for the season, and there will still be plenty of branches left to flower in the spring.

I assume your main goal is to reduce the height and keep control of the non-weeping branches? Our pruning standards tell us not to remove more than 25% of the live crown at any one pruning, so be judicious. Also, make your cuts back to lateral branches that will be able to assume a dominant role (no less than 1/3 the diameter of the branches you are removing).

Where are you in WNC? Let me know if you need any help!