If you are lucky enough to have cherry trees in your yard, then you know just how beautiful they can be. They add a touch of elegance to any landscape and are the perfect addition to any home. However, cherry trees do require some care in order to stay healthy and look their best. In this blog post, we will discuss the proper way to care for cherry trees so that you can enjoy them for years to come!
How To Grow Cherry Trees?
Cherry trees are not difficult to grow, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, cherry trees need full sun in order to produce the best fruit (at least eight hours of sunlight). They also prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around six. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. Cherry trees are also relatively drought-tolerant, but they will produce more fruit if they are watered regularly.
When it comes to cherry tree care, pruning is one of the most important things you can do. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and also keeps the tree healthy by removing diseased or damaged branches. You should prune your cherry tree in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
Cherry trees thrive in soil that is well-drained and fertile. Keep in mind that they are highly vulnerable to root rot, so the soil must be well-drained.
It is also important to fertilize cherry trees regularly. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer. Use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically designed for fruit trees. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
Cherry Trees Pollination
Cherry trees are self-pollinating, which means that they do not need another cherry tree in order to produce fruit. However, cross-pollination will result in a higher yield of fruit. If you have more than one cherry tree, be sure to plant them within 50 feet of each other so that they can cross-pollinate.
Harvesting Cherries
The cherry season typically runs from late spring to early summer. The exact time will depend on the type of cherry tree you have. To harvest, simply wait until the cherries are ripe and then pick them off the tree. You can tell when they are ripe because they will be a deep red color and will easily come off the stem when pulled. Be sure to eat them right away or store them in the refrigerator.
Use the stem on your cherries to help preserve their freshness after they are picked. They stay fresher and longer if the stem is attached after harvesting.
Bird Protection
Cherry trees are also a favorite food source for birds. If you live in an area with a lot of birds, you may need to take steps to protect your cherry crop. One way to do this is to cover the cherry tree with netting. Be sure to remove the netting once the cherries are harvested so that the birds can enjoy the fruit too! You can also hang scary devices such as plastic owls or snakes in the tree to deter birds.
By following these simple cherry tree care tips, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy cherry trees for many years to come! Thanks for reading and we hope this was helpful. Do you have any cherry tree care tips that you would like to share? Let us know, we are always happy to learn!