The natural shape a cherry tree takes on is not always the best for its maximum fruit production. Shape and StructureĮqually as important to the benefits above, your cherry tree needs to be pruned to provide a strongly structured shape. After a single growing season, a cherry tree you prune will be bigger, with stronger branching than a similar, unpruned cherry tree.

In addition to the survival benefits, pruning an cherry tree stimulates stronger, more vigorous growth from the remaining buds. A good reference book, such as Pruning Made Easy, can be invaluable for providing additional visuals and answering questions you may have during the pruning process. In Zone 6 and north, you should wait until late winter. Plan to prune your cherry trees every year during their dormant season. The only pruning necessary at that time would be to remove any broken or damaged branches and/or roots. Because of this, you do not need to prune it again at planting time. When your bare-root cherry tree arrives from Stark Bro’s, our professionals have already pre-pruned your tree for you. Pruning, in this instance, helps balance the top growth of your tree with the root system, giving the roots time to re-establish in your yard to support existing top growth and new growth. These hair-like, delicate roots are important to the process of absorbing moisture and nutrients in the soil. When your cherry tree is dug up from our fields to be shipped to you, and any time a tree is transplanted, the root ball loses many of its fine feeder roots.

Pruning cherry trees download