Thinking about planting cherry trees in your garden? Great choice! In this article, we’ll share the secrets to proper cherry tree care. Learn how to nurture your tree and master the art of pruning to keep it healthy and loaded with fruit.
Thinking about planting cherry trees in your garden? Great choice! In this article, we’ll share the secrets to proper cherry tree care. Learn how to nurture your tree and master the art of pruning to keep it healthy and loaded with fruit.
Why should I prune cherry trees?
Pruning cherry trees isn’t complicated, but it does require some basic know-how and the right tools. The goal isn’t just to shape the tree’s crown – pruning also encourages a bigger, better fruit harvest. By cutting away select branches, you allow more sunlight to reach the remaining ones, promoting stronger growth and healthier yields. Aesthetics also play a role: young shoots that don’t get enough light won’t grow properly and can make the crown look messy.
When is the best time to prune a cherry tree?
Just like trimming hedges or other fruit trees, the best time to prune cherry trees is on dry, sunny days. Moisture from rain increases the risk of fungal infections. Ideally, cherries should be pruned both after planting and regularly after fruiting.
1. Pruning cherry trees after planting
Pruning after planting is essential, as it determines how the crown will develop. For example, you can shape a spindle crown, where strong branches grow from a sturdy trunk. However, this method requires ongoing maintenance, as cherry trees produce many side shoots that grow upwards and compete with the trunk. Regular pruning keeps the tree’s shape compact and manageable.
If you prefer a bushier tree, cut back young trees with weak branching to a height of 80 to 100 cm. Remove any excess shoots, particularly those growing lower than half a metre from the ground. Higher shoots should be trimmed by about a third of their length. Also, shorten the leading shoot by around half to encourage the development of multiple strong branches.
2. Pruning cherry trees after fruiting
Pruning after fruiting is essential. Most cherry varieties are harvested between July and August, and pruning should take place in the following weeks. Late summer is ideal because cut wounds heal quickly, reducing the risk of infections such as fruit tree canker. It’s also advisable to treat wounds with tree sealant or a copper-based emulsion to protect them.
But how should you prune after harvest? Start by using sharp pruning shears or a saw to trim back thicker branches, leaving about 20 cm of stub. Remove any dry, damaged, or non-fruiting branches.
How to prune an old cherry tree?
Do you have an old cherry tree in your garden? It still needs proper care! Start by cutting back any low-hanging branches close to the ground. Check the crown and remove any branches that cross over each other or grow inward. Older cherry trees can grow over 10 metres tall, making both pruning and harvesting tricky. Feel free to cut back tall cherry trees by 2 to 4 metres to make them more manageable. Also, trim large side branches to around 3 to 5 cm to create a ‘saddle’ from which new fruit-bearing shoots will grow.
How often should I prune cherry trees?
When pruning a newly planted tree, check its height. If it’s taller than 80 to 100 cm, trim it back to that level. Cut side shoots down to 50 to 60 cm and remove any smaller branches.
Every 2 to 3 years, prune back new growth to about a third of its length. Over the next few years, remove additional new shoots to allow some very strong branches to develop. These can then be trimmed strategically over the next 3 to 4 years to encourage the formation of fruit-bearing shoots for future harvests.
For winter pruning, start by cutting off any dry branches. Also remove any that are diseased or unproductive. Pay attention to overlapping branches – remove some to avoid crowding or gently guide the strongest ones into a better shape by securing them with weights or ties.
Once your cherry tree is winter-ready, why not tackle your next garden project? How about creating a rock garden? Autumn is the perfect time to arrange stones – over winter, they settle into place, making the structure more stable for planting in spring.
How to prune cherry trees – essential tools
Pruning cherry trees isn’t difficult or physically demanding, and you don’t need expensive gardening tools. In most cases, a long-handled pruning shear is enough. The leverage makes cutting thicker branches easier. For very strong branches, consider using a pruning saw or a telescopic saw. Also, keep a fungicide on hand to apply to the pruning wounds to prevent infections.
The results of proper pruning
When pruned correctly, cherry trees don’t just look neat and impressive – they also yield a generous harvest. However, always prune on dry, sunny days. The last pruning should take place around August, right after the harvest. This helps the tree withstand winter and prepares it for healthy growth next summer.
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