Pruning Cherry Trees
A Guide to Pruning Cherry Trees
Pruning cherry trees is an important process that allows them to grow larger and yield more fruit. It also prevents the trees from experiencing unrelenting growth that can eventually lead to starvation if not kept in check, and allows for better air circulation to help prevent disease. You will want to prune your cherry tree every year, but do so carefully to prevent harming these delicate trees.
Most fruit trees are pruned during the winter months to encourage as much growth during summer as possible, but many people choose to prune their cherry trees in the summer to ward off a nasty disease called Silver Leaf that affects plants during the winter. In order to be successful in pruning cherry trees without harming the entire tree, it is best to follow some basic guidelines.
First, it is important to know how you want your cherry tree to grow. Cherry trees are central leader trees, meaning that they have one upright leader trunk that all branches grow out of. Ideally, you want your cherry tree to have branches growing from all sides of the leader trunk and perpendicular to it, and at least two feet between the different levels of branches. This lets enough light to reach all of the branches to produce fruit. You will want to shape your tree into a ‘V’ shape, unless it is a weeping cherry, in that case you want to prune it to help maintain its flowing shape. The first level of branches should be about 24” to 36” above the soil. Outward branch growth should be encouraged more than vertical growth for more fruit production. Fruiting occurs on shoots that are about a year old and lateral spurs, therefore you can cut away any new growth as you see fit to maintain the desired shape. As a rule of thumb with pruning all types of trees, never prune more than 25% of the crown of the tree.
The key to pruning cherry trees is to prune the branches that you don’t want, at the same time, protecting the main trunk. Tree branches grow at nodes to stems, and you will want to always be sure to cut on the side of the branch. Cutting on the branch side of the node allows you to protect the valuable stem collar, the lip of tissue that separates the branch from the stem. Not only does this technique protect the stem, but it also helps your tree heal better.
Using your pruning shears or a small saw, begin by cutting off any dead, dying or diseased branches. On larger branches, you will want to prune using a technique of 3 smaller cuts. This prevents tearing the bark and wood when a larger branch falls. Start with a tiny, wedge-shaped cut on the stem collar (branch side) to allow the bark to break during the cutting process. Then make a cut through a little ways farther out on the branch, so that it ends up with a stub end. The third cut should be made parallel to the stem collar. This then produces the smallest amount of stub. This process allows the bigger branches to fall to the ground without tearing the tree itself.
Be sure to remove any diseased or dead pieces from the ground to help prevent disease and to wash any tools used on diseased plants with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water before using again. Cut smaller branches on an angle to prevent water potentially filled with bacteria from pooling on the cuts. Also, make any branch cuts 1/8 of an inch above the bud to prevent it from regrowing. Use pruning paste to seal up any cuts to prevent nasty organisms from entering your tree’s wounds. It is best to use a sealer that is non-asphalt based. Dig up or cut any smaller saplings from the base of your cherry tree. These often die from the lack of sunlight and sap nutrients that your tree will need to survive.
When performed correctly, pruning cherry trees allows them to grow larger, produce more fruit and generally be healthier. Your reward for all of your pruning work will be a longer life and more fruit from your cherry tree.