Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hawthorn tree is a plant that has many benefits. Hawthorn tree is a deciduous plant that is native to Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is a small tree or shrub that grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet. The leaves of the tree are alternate, simple and obovate in shape with toothed margins. The flowers are white or pink in color and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a small, red, fleshy drupe.

Also called

• thornapple
  
• May-tree
  
• whitethorn
  
• quickthorn
  

Good to Know

• Hawthorn trees are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
  
• They are part of the rose family, and their flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance.
  
• Hawthorn trees are prized for their beautiful, deeply lobed leaves.
  
• The fruit of the hawthorn tree is a small, red berry known as a haws.
  
• Hawthorn trees are traditionally associated with love, marriage, and fertility.
  
• In Celtic mythology, the hawthorn tree is believed to be sacred to the faeries.
  
• Hawthorn trees have been used medicinally for centuries to treat heart problems and high blood pressure.
  
• The wood of the hawthorn tree is very hard and dense, making it ideal for use in construction and furniture making.
  
• Hawthorn trees are considered to be very lucky, and it is said that if you find a four-leafed clover underneath a hawthorn tree, you will have good luck for the rest of your life.
  
• Hawthorn trees are long-lived, with some specimens known to be over 400 years old!

Related plant:
Indian Hawthorn Plant

Planting Process

1. For hawthorn tree, first step is to find a suitable location. It is important to choose a spot that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
   
2. Once you have selected the location, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris.
   
3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
4. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down as you go.
   
5. Water the tree deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
   
6. Stake the tree if needed, using at least two stakes placed on opposite sides of the trunk.
   
7. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, being careful not to pile it too thickly against the trunk.
   
8. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
9. Fertilize annually with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees.
   
10. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.

Related plant:
Indian Hawthorn

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the Hawthorn tree grows best in deep, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soils, but it can tolerates a wide range of soils conditions. It does not do well in waterlogged soils.

Light condition

Like the other trees, the hawthorn tree needs sunlight to grow. However, unlike other trees, the hawthorn tree can tolerate shady conditions. This means that the hawthorn tree can be grown in areas where other trees would not be able to grow.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for a Hawthorn tree are those that are cool and humid. The tree does not do well in hot, dry conditions. It is also important that the soil be moist but not waterlogged.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. However, it can tolerate lower or higher conditions as long as the soil is not constantly wet or dry. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will dry out and fall off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant need the one with high nitrogen low phosphorus and potassium because it can make the Hawthorn tree bushy and strong. The right proportion of those ingredients is 8-8-8. In terms of the amount, half pound for big trees and a quarter pound for small ones. As for the roots, they are relatively small and shallow, so it is easy to transplant the Hawthorn tree.

Light requirement

Pruning a hawthorn tree is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, remove dead or diseased wood, and thin out crowded or crossing branches. Cut back branches that are growing too tall or too wide. Make all cuts clean and at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud or side branch.

About Propagating

Propagation Hawthorn trees are most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and they should be taken from the tips of healthy, disease-free branches. Cuttings should be placed in a moist soil mix, and they should be kept in a sunny location until they are well-rooted. Once they are rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the genetics of the tree. However, the environment in which the tree grows can also play a role. For example, if the tree is growing in poor soil, it will likely have a slower growth rate. Additionally, trees that are growing in dry conditions will also have a slower growth rate.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fire blight, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Fire blight is a bacterial infection that can kill the tree. Leaf spot is a fungal infection that can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that can cause the leaves to look powdery and white.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your hawthorn tree regularly, especially during hot weather.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.
  
• Prune your hawthorn tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Apply a fertilizer specifically formulated for hawthorn trees every few months.
  
• Inspect your hawthorn tree regularly for any pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
  
• Make sure the tree has enough sunlight by planting it in an area that receives full sun.
  
• Keep the roots of the tree cool and moist by providing adequate drainage.
  
• Avoid planting hawthorn trees in areas that are prone to flooding.
  
• Do not over-water the tree as this can lead to root rot.
  
• When transplanting a hawthorn tree, make sure to plant it at the same depth it was previously growing.

Substitution

• Hawthorn berry
  
• Hawthorn blossom
  
• Hawthorn bush
  
• Hawthorn flower
  
• Hawthorn leaves
  
• Hawthorn tree
  
• Hawthorne
  
• Mayhaw
  
• Quickthorn
  
• Thornapple

Source:
Hawthorn Trees - University of Illinois Extension
Hawthorn | Natural Resource Stewardship
Hawthorn, Cockspur | Nebraska Forest Service