Home » Misc » How do cherry trees grow

How do cherry trees grow


How to Grow a Cherry Tree: The Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered how to grow a cherry tree or why you would want to grow a cherry tree at all? The answer to “why” is because cherry trees are invariably attractive and produce useful fruit. Cherries are particularly lovely fruit trees — the blossoms are beautiful (the reason for cherry blossom festivals all over the world each year), the fruit is tasty, and the trees are quite easy to grow, with just a little care and knowledge.

As for “how,” this article will share what you need to know order to grow a cherry tree and enjoy the (literal) fruits of your labor!

When To Plant Cherry Trees

Cherry trees prefer sun and will grow strongly during the warmer month. When the tree is established, it will adapt its growth to the seasons, but when it is younger it may need some more tending.

To give your tree an advantage when it is young, plant it in spring, so that it can become relatively established over the spring, summer and early fall. If you live in a warmer climate, then you can plant in late winter, if the ground has not been frozen.

If the ground is frozen in the area where you live, wait until the ground is workable before planting. Always look out for the warning of a late frost. Take note of the general climate in your area and plan the planting accordingly.

Where To Plant Your Cherry Trees

When you choose to plant a cherry tree, there are a few things to consider. One is the size of the tree. Cherry trees can grow tall (up to 35 feet/10 meters) and most have a broad spread of branches (12-14 feet/ 3.5-4.5 meters) and have widespread branches.

This means that you must make sure you plant your tree far enough away from other trees, or larger plants, to allow the tree room for its fully mature spread.

The other thing to consider is the root system. You don’t want the roots to cause trouble with any structure in your garden, particularly a wall or even your house. Cherry trees tend to have a relatively shallow root system, but it does grow outward quite substantially as the roots look for oxygen.

The roots of a cherry tree can spread underground over an area that is even wider than the spread of the branches. So you must consider the spread of the tree above and below ground when you choose where to plant the tree.

Soil 

Cherry trees prefer a soft, well-drained soil that is quite fertile. Trees with sweet fruit require better drainage, while sour cherries are not quite so fussy.

When you plant a tree, the soil should be kept moist for a few days. This will keep the soil soft and draining effectively, but the tree will have enough water to absorb.

Light

Cherry trees need a lot of light, so make sure you plant your tree in a sunny spot, where they will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Water

Once cherry trees are established, they don’t need a lot of water. However, for the first year, or so, after planting, you will need to make sure that the sapling is watered regularly, keeping the soil damp. 

When you water your cherry tree, remember the broad spread of the roots and don’t only concentrate the water around the trunk. You don’t need to dampen the entire area of the roots, but do try to keep a slightly wider spread of water, possibly up to a meter around the trunk.

Because the root system of a cherry tree is relatively shallow, it will need to look for water mostly above the water table, so it is important that it receives water from above the soil as well – including rain, of course, but also from you watering it. Usually, cherry trees will be able to access water from a greater number of sources in summer, so take this into account when you water the tree.

Temperature and Humidity

Cherry trees are quite hardy and different cultivars, or varieties can tolerate different temperatures and weather conditions. Generally, though, cherries prefer generally cooler, drier climates. In fact, part of their growth cycle is to have a period of dormancy during a cold winter, which they will not get in a hotter, humid climate.

Even younger trees can tolerate frost quite well, but they can be sensitive to a late frost. This is because they come out of their dormancy period as the weather warms up and are not prepared to cope with very low temperatures.

Sweet cherries, in particular, are susceptible to a late frost. If a tree has started to bud when the late frost arrives, it will be hit harder than before budding. This makes late frost an important thing to take into consideration when you plan to plant your tree. With younger trees, protect your tree by using something like a burlap tree wrap.

Planting Multiple Trees: Cross-Pollination

Most cherry trees are not self-pollinating, so you need to have two trees, of different varieties, so that they can pollinate each other. Some types of cherry trees are not compatible, so you will need to do some solid research to make sure that the varieties of trees you choose will be able to cross-pollinate.

There are some varieties of sour cherries that are self-pollinating, but sweet cherries are generally not self-pollinating. However, the BlackGold and WhiteGold varieties are self-pollinating and can even be used as ‘universal pollinators’, as they are compatible with any variety of cherry.

Bees pollinate cherry trees and the period of blossoming and fertility is quite limited. Bees usually work in the earlier morning, so keep away from the trees during this period. Cooler weather may prolong the period of fertility, so keep an eye on your trees and the bees’ activity.

Varieties of Cherry Tree To Plant

Where you live will determine, to a degree, what variety of cherry tree you plant.

The Benton Cherry tree is a popular variety of cherry to grow in your garden. This is mainly because it is a relatively easy tree to grow. They are quite big trees, with wide-spreading branches and are remarkably hardy, requiring almost minimal maintenance. They are also quite resistant to frost. 

The Blackgold Cherry tree is another popular and hardy cherry to consider grow at home. It is quite frost-resistant and not as susceptible to diseases and pests as some other varieties. The tree needs to be watered regularly in the first year of growth. As they grow, the trees do not need to be watered very regularly.  

Naturehills.com

Montmorency Cherry Tree

$98.99

BUY NOW

Naturehills.com

Lapins Cherry Tree

$109.19

BUY NOW

Naturehills. com

Rainier Cherry Tree

$109.19

BUY NOW

How To Grow Your Cherry Trees

Cherry trees can be grown from three basics: the pit, a seedling/young tree, a bare root tree.

Bare root trees

Bare root trees are small trees that have had the soil removed from their roots, which are covered in plastic to protect them. These trees are usually available during winter and should be planted when the weather is still cold.

The soil you plant your bare root tree into cannot be hard, so you will either have to prepare a patch by working on it and making sure it is loose before you buy the trees, or you can place the trees in a small patch of loose soil until you are ready to plant them. This should not be longer than a few days.

Seedlings or young trees

You can buy cherry tree seedlings, or a young tree, to plant out.   Seedlings will need more care, so keep them in a pot in a protected area until they are ready to establish themselves. Young trees can be planted out quite easily.

From the pit

If you really do want to grow your own cherry tree from the beginning, then you can do so from the pit. You should begin with a few pits, as some of them may not sprout.

Make sure that the pits are clean of any trace of the fruit by soaking them thoroughly. Leave them to dry for a few days. After that keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for 7-10 days. This will simulate the dormancy period of winter.

The pits can be planted in pots that are full of loose soil, that is mixed with fertilizer. Before you do this, you must take them back to room temperature. Push the pits into the soil and water them enough so that the soil is moist. Do not over-water them. When the pits sprout and establish themselves as seedlings, you can plant them out

Planting the Trees

To plant your tree from any of these sources, you must make sure that the soil is loose. Do this by working the soil over with a garden fork. It should be loose to at least a foot (30cms) below the surface.

Dig a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball. This will usually be about 18 inches (45 cms) in diameter and 24 inches (60 cms) deep.

Place the roots of the plant into the hole and cover them, but keep some of the root ball showing – about 1 inch (2.5 cms) above the surface. Compact the soil around the tree gently, making sure that it does stay relatively loose. Do not tamp it down.

The level of the soil around the tree must be the same level as the surrounding area. Fruit trees must not sit in water, so there can’t be a hollow around the stem.

Make sure that you water the tree thoroughly for the first few weeks after it is planted. This does not mean keeping it in a pool of water, but making sure that the area around the stem is kept damp.

How To Grow a Cherry Tree In a Pot

There are some varieties of cherry trees that are dwarf, which can be grown in pots. Remember that these can grow to about 6 feet high, so you will need to prune and contain the trees carefully, to make sure that they don’t grow too big for your house.

One advantage that growing a cherry tree in a pot is that you will be able to move it inside during cold weather.

When you plant a young tree/seedling in a pot, make sure that you water it regularly to keep the soil damp. Do not overwater it, because if the roots sit in water, the tree’s growth will be affected. You will need to fertilize the tree at least every couple of months.

Fertilizing your cherry Tree

To keep your cherry tree healthy, you need to feed it regularly, by using the appropriate fertilizer. Cherry trees are ‘light feeders’, which means that they don’t use a lot of nutrients.

Like most plants, cherry trees need nitrogen, phosphate and potassium to grow, so make sure that the fertilizer you use contains all of these (just make sure the fertilizer is low in nitrogen). Phosphate and potassium boost the tree’s ability to fight diseases.

You can use a chemical fertilizer, but you could prefer to use organic options, which are based on compost and natural additives.

Pruning your cherry tree

All fruit trees need to be pruned regularly during the winter months. This promotes new growth in the spring and you’ll have a good crop of fruit in summer. For our complete guide to pruning your cherry tree, visit this link.

Harvesting your cherries

The whole point of growing a cherry tree is to enjoy the fruit, isn’t it? Once you have a lovely crop on your tree, you’ll need to harvest them. Knowing when and how to pick them will keep you from damaging the fruit.

You’ll know your cherries are ripe when they turn red. The darker red they are, the riper they are. If you pull gently on a cherry and it comes away easily, then it’s fully ripe. Don’t pick cherries when they still have any green on them, because they don’t continue to ripen once picked off the tree.

For more in-depth information about harvesting cherries, read our guide on picking cherries.

However, if you’re harvesting sour cherries for cooking, you can pick them when they’re not quite ripe. Make sure you cut the fruit off the tree, though.

Put the harvested cherries into a container, but don’t over-fill it or squash the cherries because you may damage them. Keep the cherries in the fridge as soon after as picking them as possible. This will keep the fruit fresh longer.

Cherry Tree Pests and Disease

Cherry tree pests and disease can come in a variety of forms and each one requires specialized action to treat and prevent them. Some pose greater threats than others to your cherry harvest, so educating yourself about each one is a necessary part of growing cherry trees in your garden.

Pests

Leaf damage caused by black cherry aphids.

Here are some of the common types of pests that you may have to deal with as you grow a cherry tree.

Birds

One of the greatest threats to the fruit on your cherry tree are birds, which are not easy to control. The best protection against losing your cherries to birds is to cover your tree with netting.

Black Cherry Aphids

In winter, keep an eye out for tiny black bugs clustering on the stems or under the leaves on your cherry tree. If your tree is a sweet cherry, then you must be even more vigilant, because they are more susceptible to this pest.

You should treat your tree for black cherry aphids by spraying it with horticultural oil. If you notice the leaves on your tree curling, then you must treat it. It is easier to get rid of the aphids before the leaves actually curl.

Borers

The American Plum Borer bores into the trunks of weakened trees.

The Peachtree borer goes for the base of the trunk of a cherry tree and affects the flow of nutrients to the tree. You can dig out the larvae, but it may be more effective to use a pesticide. You will need to get advice on what to use.

Shot hole borers dig into weakened branches in the tree, or into the trunk. If they are only in one/two branches, they can be removed. However, if the whole tree is affected, then it may not be possible to save the tree.

Pests tend to attack cherry trees that are weakened, so you keep your tree properly watered and fertilized.

Want to know more about other pests you may encounter? Click here to read our blog post on how to identify, treat, and prevent ten common cherry tree pests.

DiseasesCherries suffering from brown rot caused by a fungus.

Any plant can be infected by diseases, and cherry trees are no exception.

Leaf spot, canker and brown spot are some of these diseases. You will recognize these by leaves that develop dark spots, or begin to die. You should remove any diseased leaves, or even branches. When you do this, dip the pruning shears in a bleach solution to sterilize them before making the next cut, so that the disease doesn’t spread.

You can spray your tree with a fungicide to protect against these diseases. A fungicide will also help to prevent ripe fruit rot, brown rot, or twig blight. Consult your nursery or garden center to find out what fungicide you should use. If there is a lot of rain, you may need to repeat the spray of fungicide.

Most of the diseases that affect cherry trees are the result of over-watering. Make sure that the soil is kept moist, not very wet. The soil must be well-drained and kept quite loose.

For a more in-depth read about the identification, treatment, and prevention of the ten most common cherry tree diseases, visit our blog article here.

FAQs

Are cherry trees easy to grow?

Cherry trees need to be established carefully. After that, they are relatively easy to look after. Keep them healthy by watering regularly, but not too much, and fertilizing them periodically.

Can I grow a cherry tree at home?

Cherry trees tend to be large trees, so you’ll need a good size space in your yard to grow one of them. As long as you have the right conditions for the tree, including at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, then this is a lovely tree to have at home.

What kind of soil do cherry trees prefer?

Cherry trees prefer to grow in well-drained soil that contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

Make Cherry Trees Part of Your Garden!

A cherry tree makes a great (and tasty) addition to a home garden. Our guides can help you pick just the right one.

Now that you know how to grow a cherry tree, visit our Cherry Trees hub page to read about different cherry tree varieties you can grow, plus other cherry-related informational articles.

How to Grow Cherry Trees

Whether your goal is fresh snacks, pies, or landscape interest, growing cherry trees is a fruitful endeavor, especially if you keep the following in mind.

There are so many reasons for growing cherry trees: the satisfaction of picking your own homegrown fruit, creating family memories, preserving your harvest to enjoy during the cold winter months . .. the list is a long one! As you probably know, there are two types of cherries:

Sweet cherries are what you usually see at the supermarket. They have a “meaty” texture, much like a firm plum, and a rich, sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh, cooked, frozen or dried. Sweet cherries grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 7 and most require pollination from another sweet cherry variety. Make sure that you plant alongside another variety with a similar bloom time for proper pollination. Bloom times can be found in each characteristic section. These cherry trees typically take about 4 to 7 years after planting to bear fruit. Sweet cherry trees will yield approximately 15-20 quarts for dwarf trees, and 30-50 quarts for semi-dwarf trees. The yield will vary based on sunlight, available nutrients, soil quality/drainage and local weather conditions during the season.

Sour cherries are most often used for cooking, especially pies and preserves. Sour cherries, also referred to as tart cherries, are noticeably smaller than sweet varieties. They grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 6.

These cherry trees typically take 3 to 5 years to begin bearing fruit, depending upon the tree size (dwarf trees will bear sooner) and the variety. Sour cherry trees will yield approximately 15-20 quarts for dwarf trees, and 20-60 quarts for semi-dwarf trees. The yield will vary based on sunlight, available nutrients, soil quality/drainage and local weather conditions during the season.

Some important points to remember about growing cherry trees:

Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is choosing the right location for your new cherry trees. This requires some pre-planning to give your trees the best chance for success:

Learn how to prepare your soil prior to planting. You can also learn how to plant bare-root and potted cherry trees. The instructions are very easy to follow.

After getting your cherry trees securely settled in their new home, you can address the “Care & Maintenance” phase. Learn how often and how much to water and how to prevent problems that arise from under- or over-watering.

Trees need to eat, too! Fertilizing is critical to whether your trees just survive, or thrive. Equally important is when to start/stop fertilizing. Did you know that continual feeding to keep the trees from “going hungry” can actually make them vulnerable to winter damage?

The Care & Maintenance section will also instruct you how about pruning cherry trees. Pruning keeps the tree’s canopy strong and open to light — essential to the quality and quantity of the fruit. Here, we also review common cherry-tree insect and disease issues, and explain the importance of spraying to control existing problems and help prevent future ones.

Discover great tips on all these topics and others (like harvesting cherries) in our “How To Grow Cherry Trees” series. You can navigate to any article by using the “In This Series” menu, or follow the “Next/Previous” navigation markers at the end of each article.

NEXT: How to Acclimate Cherry Trees

In This Series

Getting Started
Care & Maintenance
Other Topics

Latest Articles & Videos

How to Protect Strawberry Plants in Winter | Winterize Your Patch with Straw Mulch Winterizing your strawberry patch with mulch can help protect your plants from extreme cold temperatures and ensure a healthy harvest next spring. One simple and effective way to do this is by using straw mulch. Here's how to get started:

How to Know When Apples are Ready to Pick Knowing when apples are ripe may be easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to know when it's time to harvest apples from your fruit tree.

How to Plant Garlic Garlic is one of the easiest and most versatile vegetables to grow! They are naturally hardy, fairly pest and disease resistant, and not too picky on growing locations. They will require loose soil and 6 hours of sun.

Mowing Strawberry Plants When it's time to prune your strawberry patch, there are several options to consider for cutting back your strawberry plants. Andrew at the Howard Homestead utilized a push mower and bagger to prune his strawberry patch of 400 plants in less than 30 minutes!

Cultivation of cherry trees

The very first type of cherry grows wild throughout Europe, except for parts of northern and northeastern Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Steppe cherry can be found in the western part of Europe and in Southeast and Central Asia.

Cherry is widely grown in summer cottages and gardens throughout Russia. The demand for these berries is steadily growing, as they are a necessary raw material for the production of yogurt, cheese, marmalade, puddings and traditional jams, juices, pastry fillings. nine0003

Growing conditions

The place for growing cherries in the garden should be sunny, protected from the wind. One cherry tree needs 10-15 square meters of area. Cherry trees grow well on sunny slopes and small hills, and should not be planted in low places where they are particularly vulnerable to frost and light spring frosts that can damage the flowers.


Habitat, soil requirements

The best soils for cherries are sandy and super sandy. Cherry does not like heavy and wet soils, it needs good watering only during a period of severe drought. All young cherries have high water requirements. In addition to abundant watering, soil mulching is recommended. nine0003

Mature trees are more resistant to drought, but their roots are very shallow, so prolonged interruptions in rainfall and periodic floods are dangerous for them.

To minimize the creation of stagnant water and the effects of frost, it is recommended that cherry trees be planted on hills or higher ground.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer for cherries is manure, compost and mineral fertilizers. In the first year after planting, fertilizer should be applied in two steps - in March and June, and in subsequent years - in the spring (depending on the needs of the tree). Most cherry varieties bloom in April and May and bear fruit from July to August. nine0003

Cherry tree can withstand frost down to minus 25 degrees Celsius, but spring frosts easily destroy the flowers.

Cherries can be susceptible to various diseases: bacterial cancer, leaf spot, brown rot of stone fruit trees.

Cultivation of cherries without secrets

The process of growing cherries does not require special skills and high costs, if it is rationally planned. Planting conditions should be well thought out, a special place prepared and the best date for planting a seedling chosen. nine0003

In the first year of a tree's life, all side shoots should be cut off, leaving only two to three main shoots. In the next two to three years, cherry trees will not need large pruning, you just need to make sure that the cherry has simple side shoots. It is necessary to carefully look and remove dead branches.

Cherry trees usually bloom in late April and are thus less affected by the devastating spring frosts. Flowering time depends on weather conditions and lasts from 10 to 12 days.

Fruit cultivars of short-stemmed cherries can begin fruiting as early as the second year after planting. A good cherry yield is facilitated by its self-pollination with pollen. For the result to be positive, it is enough if 25-30% of the flowers have fruits.

Fruits on early varieties ripen in the first decade of July, while in late varieties of cherries, fruit ripening occurs in the third decade of July or the first decade of August. nine0003

Plant selection

Disease resistance should be taken into account when choosing a cherry variety. Most representatives of this species are susceptible to diseases, and their lifespan does not exceed 10-15 years, and infected specimens must be felled even earlier. It is best to choose self-pollinating varieties that do not require the neighborhood of another variety of similar flowering.

Choose a seedling with a well developed root system and about 120 cm in height. The branches should be located at a height of 40 cm, and the trunk, just below the first fork, should have a diameter of 12 mm. nine0003

Selecting a planting site

Cherries are planted in early spring or late autumn, after preparing a hole for planting and enriching the soil with manure or compost. If the soil is prepared in advance, it is advisable to plant a cherry tree immediately after the snow melts. Cherries that are planted later do not grow well and require more abundant and frequent watering.

Autumn planting is carried out from the beginning of October until the first frost. Trees sold in containers and pots can be planted all year round due to their well-developed root systems. nine0003

The young seedling needs to be supported and decide whether the tree needs short-term or long-term support.

In case of long-term support, pegs must be driven into the soil near the tree in such a way as to avoid damaging the roots. Wooden pegs are usually made in sizes of 2 to 2.5 meters and with a pointed end of 5 to 7 cm. However, metal poles, which are often used for vines, are also suitable.

The assistance of another person is required to install these supports. To do this, one person must install the support with a hammer, and the second must hold it perpendicular to the ground. nine0003

In the case of wooden poles, it is recommended to cover the top with a metal cap to prevent damage. The depth of the support depends on the type of soil, but on average it is assumed to be underground at a depth of approximately 50 cm.

In case of short-term support, it is possible to plant a tree first. First you need to dig a hole about 60cm deep. The short-term support should be located at a 45 degree angle, outside the root. Given the fact that the long-term support is designed to support the weight of the tree throughout its life, the short-term support is designed for 2-4 years. To do this, it must be tied to a tree low enough, within 1 meter. nine0003


In the case of trees grown in pots, the opening must be 3 cm larger than the diameter of the container and 5 cm larger than the depth of the container.

The planting site must be considerably wider and deeper so that the plant can freely use the space. It is best to plant a tree on the south side to provide it with more sunlight. However, if there it is exposed to strong winds, then this will affect the yield more than the absence of direct sunlight. nine0003


Planting cherry trees

For trees purchased in pots, make sure the soil is well watered, if not, add water and leave for an hour. Then take the plant out of the container. In the case of exposed roots, remove the bag that protects the roots, and if they are not sufficiently moistened, put them in water and leave for an hour.


The most important part of planting fruit trees is making sure the tree is planted at the same depth as it is in the container. nine0039 A second person will be needed at this stage. Measure the depth with a ruler or hold and check the level of the soil in which the plant is planted. One person should keep the tree in the air, while the other should cover the roots with soil at the previously measured level.

Pruning cherry trees

Pruning cherry trees should be carried out according to the scheme shown in the figure below:


Valuable properties of cherries

Cherry fruit contains 8-10% sugar, 1.5-3% organic acids, 1% pectin, fruits contain tannins, as well as carotene, vitamin C, B, PP, folic acid and minerals such as copper, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. Cherry is valued as a dietary product that improves appetite. Cherry is recommended for anemia, fever and as a laxative. The pulp and juice acts as an antiseptic and is also a good expectorant for inflammation of the respiratory tract. nine0003

Use of cherries

Cherries are used in processing. They make delicious jams, jams, juices, jellies, liqueurs and wines. Leaves of cherry trees are used for pickling cucumbers and other vegetables. Due to the content of fat (25-35%), amygdalin and essential oils, the seeds are used in the production of soap.

Similar articles:

Crop production → Spring grafting of fruit trees

Crop production → Felt cherry

Crop production → Fruit trees - propagation methods0003

Plant growing → How to grow healthy cherries - disease and pest control

Plant growing → Propagation of fruit trees by root offspring

Plant growing → The structure of the fruit tree and its biological features

Plant growing → Root cuttings of fruit crops - features of cherry tree cultivation

care

The cherry plant is a subgenus of the Rosaceae family and is a shrub or cherry tree with oblong leaves and pink or white flowers. There are over 150 varieties worldwide. Cherries are known for their appetizing fruits. They can be consumed fresh, frozen and canned. The amount of fruit pulp is less than the size of the bone by more than 20 times

Choosing a place to plant

Compliance with the necessary rules when planting a cherry tree will not be reflected in the health, further growth rate and fruiting of the tree. If all the features are taken into account and the necessary actions are taken in accordance with the technology, serious problems with growing a tree can be avoided.

Before planting cherry tree seedlings, it is necessary to choose a favorable site for its cultivation. Moist, breathable fertile soil is perfect for this type of plant. Groundwater should lie at a distance of 1.5 meters from the surface. You can ask residents of nearby areas about how cherries appear in the area, and then decide on its planting. The place where the seedling will grow should not be in a lowland with excess moisture. In such conditions, seedlings develop slowly and are prone to disease. Wetland soils are also not suitable for planting. nine0003

When to plant a cherry tree

Autumn is the best time to plant cherry trees. However, this process is possible in the first half of spring, while the tree seedling is still at rest. The root of the plant must be well formed. Most importantly, plant each tree seedling at a distance of about 3 m from the neighbors. Before carrying out the planting procedure, it is necessary to replace the selected soil with fertile soil. The selected soil is to be replaced with fertile soil. The width of the planting hole depends on the quality of the soil. nine0003

Tree care

- Seedling care

Good care of seedlings helps to get a bountiful harvest and an excellent growth rate. Between the rows of the cherry orchard, it is desirable to plant strawberries, alfalfa, or melons and legumes. Legumes contribute to the enrichment of the soil with nitrogen. But the seeds of tobacco, sunflower, corn are forbidden to be planted, as they lead the soil to depletion. If possible, it is necessary to abandon the cultivation of late vegetables, since frequent watering of such crops reduces the growth rate of the plant. It is necessary to check that the trunk circles are not powdered. nine0003

Cherry tree roots grow faster than branches. Therefore, it is necessary to form near-trunk circles of trees 2 times the diameter of the crown. In summer, the soil should be loosened and moistened as needed. When preparing trees for winter, loosening and watering the soil has not been carried out since September. In autumn, it is necessary to dig up the soil of the trunk circles. The depth of digging depends on the location of the roots of the fruit to the surface of the soil.

- Fertilizer

Before planting young cherry trees, fertilize the soil. Further application of fertilizers depends on the annual growth of branches. If the growth is less than 60 cm, then it is necessary to add half a bucket of humus and 0.100 grams of superphosphate. Cherries should be fertilized in autumn. The amount of fertilizer depends on the age of the plant and the condition of the soil. Also, once every three years it is necessary to use humus as a fertilizer. Experienced agronomists who adhere to the technology of organic farming use compost in the spring and cultivate the land with biological products. nine0003

- Watering

After a successful planting, the tree needs abundant watering. Twelve waterings per season are usually the norm for cherry trees, and in extreme heat, the number of waterings should be increased. It is not recommended to pour water into the trunk circle. It is better to use drip irrigation or the irrigation ditch method. To improve the structure of the soil and prevent it from drying out, you can slightly loosen the near-stem circle after irrigation.

– Cherry care

As the branches of the tree grow, there is no need to plant vegetable crops between the rows of trees. In the event of a slowdown in the growth of a young tree, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures for irrigation, fertilization, protection from diseases and potential agricultural pests. The total volume of irrigation, as well as the rate of moistening, depend on the depth of groundwater and the composition of the soil. Mature trees are allowed to be watered in any of the ways, including the supply of water to the tree trunks.

The gardener must constantly pay special attention to the condition of the tree and take the necessary measures in a timely manner. The reaction of cherries to an excess of chemical elements Nitrogen has a significant impact on increasing the growth of shoots, reducing yields. Leaves turn yellow and then fall off. From an excess of phosphorus, the foliage turns yellow, after which it dies and subsequently falls off. Berries lose their shape, become sour. Potassium reduces the growth rate of young shoots. Leaves curled down have a pale green appearance with traces of necrosis. A significant part of the branches dies. If the leaves are covered with spots, then an excess of such trace elements as boron, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc predominates. Due to the violation of the photosynthesis process, the leaves lose their green color. The vein of the leaf becomes lighter. To resolve the issue of which element is in excess, it is necessary to conduct a thorough analysis of the soil, or use special literature. nine0003

— Cherry Pruning

All pruning work is best done in the spring, when the cherry tree has survived the winter but is still dormant. The resulting sections should be covered with garden resin. With subsequent proper care, the cherry tree tolerates pruning perfectly. In case of improper care, the wounds will heal for a long time, gum disease may form. With the formation of unwanted shoots growing inside the crown, they must be pruned in the early stages of growth. nine0003

Cherry propagation

Often this type of tree is propagated using a cherry tree rootstock, which is the base of a new tree. Such characteristic features as longevity, frost resistance of a tree, its tendency to form thickets, fertility depend on the correct choice of a rootstock, and the varietal characteristics characteristic of offspring will remain unchanged. Rootstock cherries are grown independently from the seeds of mature cherries. For further planting, tree seeds undergo mandatory stratification. They go through a drying process in a dark place, then they are mixed with wet sand and subjected to heat treatment. The grown seedlings do not require special care. Also suitable for planting cherry trees and root offspring, which form only some varieties of this plant. The best choice would be those postpartum offspring that are closest to the trunk. nine0003

Pests of cherry trees

The main pests of cherry trees are: sawflies, cherry weevil, subcortical leafworm, cherry aphid, hawthorn. All of them feed on shoots and leaves, which cause great damage to the tree. To prevent the appearance of harmful individuals, cherry trees should be treated with insecticides. When choosing drugs, one should take into account the general trend of recent years, when the product names are different, but the active substance is the same. This is due to the fact that each company is trying to make its drug unique.

Learn more