Okame cherry trees (Prunus x incam “Okame”), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, are moderately fast growers that reach heights ranging from 15 to 30 feet tall with a 20 to 30 feet spread upon adulthood. They produce ultra aromatic, rose pink blooms in spring, and although cold tolerant, are influenced by damage caused by late vandalism, like winter scald and harm to buds, trunks and shoots. Protecting an Okame cherry tree from winter freeze injury entails shielding the tree from the elements while keeping adequate aeration.
Secure the open end of the roster of light-colored tree wrap to the base of the tree using gardening or duct tape, making sure to cover all timber. Wrap the tree wrap round the trunk, overlapping each layer by one-half. Quit wrap only beneath the bottom branches or 18 inches from bottom level, cut the roll and secure with gardening or duct tape.
Paint the trunk to 18 inches above ground level and 12 inches of each lower scaffold limb with a single coat of interior-grade white latex paint, with a paintbrush. Paint the trunk and lowers limbs in late autumn to prevent winter sunscald.
Cover the Okame cherry tree using a heavyweight, woven spunbond polypropylene cover prior to the initial freeze. Select a cover large enough to cover the entire tree and its foliage with 3 to 4 feet left to secure it using weighted objects. After covering the tree, place sandbags, bricks or heavy stones spaced 1 to 2 feet apart around the perimeter of the cover to secure it to the bottom.