Katsura trees (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) are gorgeous ornamental trees that can make a stunning addition to any landscape With heart-shaped leaves that emerge reddish-purple in spring, turn green in summer, and develop brilliant orange and yellow fall color, the appeal of katsura trees is year-round The trees also have a beautiful rounded shape and attractive peeling bark that adds winter interest.
However, like any tree, katsuras aren’t perfect. Before you plant a katsura tree in your yard, you should think about these problems. There are pros and cons to katsura trees that can help you decide if they are right for your yard.
The Pros of Katsura Trees
Beautiful Foliage
The foliage of katsura trees is gorgeous throughout the seasons. The heart-shaped leaves unfurl a stunning reddish-purple color in spring before turning green. In fall, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of orange and yellow that seem to glow. As the leaves drop, they emit a sweet, caramel-like fragrance, leading to katsuras being nicknamed the “caramel tree.”
Graceful Shape
Katsuras have a naturally graceful, rounded shape with arching branches. With age, they develop an attractive pyramidal to oval form. Their multi-stemmed growth habit also gives them a full, dense appearance. The tiered branching and lush canopy create a striking silhouette.
Peeling Bark
As katsura trees get older, their bark peels off in patches of gray, brown, and cream. The effect is subtly showy, adding striking winter interest. The bark keeps peeling off in strips, revealing new color patches below. This makes the tree look nice all year.
Shade Tree
A mature katsura grows 40-60 feet tall and 25-45 feet wide, making it an excellent shade tree. The spreading branches cast dappled shade over yards and gardens. The shallow root system also makes katsuras ideal for planting near pathways, driveways, and patios.
Urban Tolerance
Despite their graceful beauty, katsura trees are tough and tolerate urban conditions well. They can handle pollution, salt, difficult soils, heat, and drought. Their resilience to stress makes them ideal street trees.
Few Pest or Disease Issues
Katsuras have very few pest or disease problems. They are relatively pest-free, with no serious insect issues. They can develop fungal leaf spots in very wet conditions but are otherwise disease-resistant. Their vigor makes them low-maintenance trees.
Long Lifespan
Katsura trees grow slowly but live for over 100 years, which is a very long time. Some katsuras that were planted in Europe and Asia hundreds of years ago are still doing well now. Because they last a long time, you can enjoy their beauty for many years to come.
The Cons of Katsura Trees
Messy Fruiting
Katsura trees drop seed pods all over the ground when they split open in the fall and winter to release their seeds. The winged seeds also blow everywhere. When fruit falls from the tree, it can make the ground under the tree slippery and messy.
Shallow Roots
While their shallow root system makes them ideal for planting near pavements, the roots can sometimes cause issues by growing close to the surface. The roots may crack walkways or obstruct mowing and digging around the tree.
Medium to Large Size
Katsuras grow to a medium to large size, reaching 40-60 feet tall and almost as wide. Before planting, ensure you have adequate space available in your landscape for the tree to reach mature size. The substantial size means they are not suitable for smaller urban lots.
Slow Growing
Katsura trees grow at a slow to medium rate. Expect no more than 1-2 feet of growth per year. Their slow growth means it takes time for them to reach mature size and fulfill their potential as specimen trees. It can be 15-20 years before they start making a visual impact.
Dislikes Transplanting
Katsuras strongly dislike being transplanted and are difficult to relocate once established. Their fleshy roots are easily damaged. This makes choosing the right long-term site critical. Avoid planting them in temporary locations.
Sun Scald
In hot, dry climates, katsura leaves can scorch if exposed to intense afternoon sun and heat. Plant them in sites with afternoon shade or wind protection. Provide ample water during summer to prevent sun scald damage.
Needs Rich Soil
Although tolerant of pollution, katsuras need fertile, organic-rich soil to thrive. Poor drainage or nutrient-deficient soil will weaken their growth. Amend the soil with compost and fertilize annually for best health.
In the right growing conditions and landscape setting, katsura trees provide gorgeous foliage, graceful form, and resilience. However, their substantial mature size, messy fruit, intolerance of transplanting, and need for rich soil require some forethought on site selection and care. Weighing up the pros and cons will help you decide if this ornamental tree is a good choice for your yard. With their spectacular beauty and urban tolerance, katsuras deserve consideration by any gardener looking for a focal point specimen tree.
Common Problems With Katsura Trees
Katsura trees are hardy trees with very few issues that affect their growth. Picking a suitable planting site is perhaps the most essential factor for maintaining good health.
Fertilizer
Fertilize newly planted saplings using a higher nitrogen mix fertilizer (20-20-20 NPK). As the tree grows and becomes established, use a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) and soak the ground well afterward to ensure that the fertilizer goes down to the roots. You can use granular, liquid, or stake fertilizers; follow the package instructions. In general, fertilize once a year in late fall or early spring before buds develop.
Katsura? For-sure-a!
FAQ
Is katsura a good tree?
The Katsura tree is a beautiful shade tree that doesn’t get enough attention. It will add both elegance and fun to your yard. This fast-growing tree develops a dome-like canopy of foliage to shade a quiet space below for reading, relaxing, or daydreaming.
What are the benefits of Katsura Tree?
Advantages: The Katsura Tree is known for its neat growth pattern and fragrant leaves when they fall off. This makes it a lovely addition to larger home landscapes. Ideal Uses: This tree looks great as a focal point or in the shade in larger residential landscapes and gives off a unique fall scent.
How fast does a Katsura Tree grow?
Although listed as growing at a moderate rate, Katsura Tree is capable of rapid growth spurts in optimal conditions. Some trees have been reported to grow more than 4 feet per year when given ample moisture and adequate nutrition.
Do Katsura trees like sun or shade?
Katsura Tree prefers fertile, well drained soils in full sun to part shade. The soils must be consistently moist as these trees have little drought tolerance, particularly when newly installed. The foliage can be fragile to scorching or strong winds. Katsura Tree are often planted singularly or in small groups.