Weeping apple is a decorative leafy tree with an elegant drooping crown, reaching a height of 2.5 to 3 meters and a width of up to 3.5 meters. Its long, thin branches hang down effectively, creating the impression of a green waterfall, making this tree a true ornament for any garden. The leaves have a reddish tint when they unfold, which becomes reddish-brown with the onset of cold, adding additional decorativeness during the autumn-winter period. The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soils with neutral or slightly acidic reaction and develops best in sunny locations or in light partial shade. In spring, the weeping apple is covered with fragrant white or pink flowers, which attract pollinating insects. In early autumn, small fruits with a diameter of 2-4 cm appear on the tree, colored in red, yellow, or dark red tones with a purple tint. These fruits remain on the branches for a long time even after the leaves fall, which maintains the decorative appearance of the tree during the cold season. The fruits have a bitter taste and are widely used in cooking for making jams, jellies, compotes, cider, and other dishes, and can also serve as a decorative element in the garden. Forming the weeping shape of the apple tree requires certain care and pruning. There are two main ways to form a trunk with a height of 2-2.5 meters, followed by grafting or limiting the growth of side branches. During the first 3-4 years, it is necessary to regularly remove shoots on the trunk and form the crown, pruning branches on 3-4 buds twice a season — in spring and summer. With proper care, the crown reaches a diameter of more than 1.5 meters. The tree is frost-hardy, unpretentious, and requires only moderate watering in hot months, which makes it suitable for growing in small gardens, parks and squares, where it can act as a solo plant or in group plantings.
