Watering the Japanese Pagoda Tree

• Japanese Pagoda Tree Origin
• Japanese Pagoda Tree Care and Location
• Cutting Japanese pagoda tree
• Fertilizing Japanese Pagoda Tree
• Watering the Japanese Pagoda Tree

Origin of the Japanese pagoda tree

The Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), also known as Japanese string of pearls or honey tree, is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 15 to 20 m and belongs to the legume family. It is native to East Asia and was planted in China, Japan and Korea centuries ago. It was only introduced to Europe and North America in the 19th century.

It blooms in late summer with delicate, white or pink flowers borne on dense panicles. The leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, with 7–17 leaflets that are elliptical to ovate. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. 
The fruits are elongated pods that ripen in autumn and contain the seeds.
The Japanese pagoda tree is easy to care for and robust and is well suited as a street tree or as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.
The fruit shell of the pagoda tree is highly poisonous and can be fatal if consumed in large quantities. Other parts of the tree, such as the bark and the seeds, contain toxins. The flowers, however, are edible and are used in Chinese cuisine.

Care and location of the pagoda tree

The pagoda tree prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. However, it is also successful in other types of soil and is resistant to pests and diseases. In areas with hot and dry summers, it should be planted in areas with partial shade, as it does not tolerate completely dry soil well.

Pruning measures for the cord tree

The cord tree does not normally require regular Cutting measures, as it grows slowly and has a distinct growth habit. However, if it needs to be shaped into a specific form, spring is the best time. Only the most necessary branches should be removed, respecting the tree's natural shape. Old and diseased branches, as well as those growing into the tree's interior, should be removed. In the first few years after planting, drastic pruning should be avoided, as the pagoda tree initially has a slow growth rate and takes a long time to recover from drastic pruning.

Fertilizing Japanese pagoda tree

String trees usually do not require additional fertilizationThey are easy-care plants and can thrive in most soils. However, if the soil is particularly poor in nutrients, organic fertilizer such as compost or manure can be applied to the soil in spring and lightly worked in. If string trees are planted near the coast or in saline soils, applications of fertilizer may be necessary and a soil analysis is advisable.

Watering the pagoda tree

The pagoda tree is a very undemanding tree and has medium water requirements. It prefers well-drained and nutrient-rich soils that are not too dry. It can thrive in areas with low rainfall and dry soils and can tolerate short dry periods. However, during the growing season the pagoda tree should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Conventional watering with a hose can result in too much water landing on the ground at once and then evaporating or seeping into the soil before it reaches the roots.

With tree bath watering bags Watering is more efficient, saving time and water. The watering bags release water continuously into the soil through two holes over several hours. Drip irrigation ensures even moisture levels, allowing the shallow roots to absorb the water more effectively. The watering bag also covers the soil surface, preventing moisture from evaporating. The Baumbad watering bags hold 75 to 100 liters of water, sufficient to supply a Japanese pagoda tree. Attaching and filling the water bags for the pagoda tree is simple and straightforward. The bag is wrapped around the tree trunk like a jacket and zipped up. Next, fill the bag with enough water so that, after further adjustment, no wrinkles are visible in the lower area, and then let it fill.