Having a cherry tree in your garden is a delightful experience, especially when it comes time to enjoy those juicy fruits. To ensure your tree remains healthy and productive, proper pruning is essential. Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide to help you prune your cherry tree effectively.
1️⃣ Prune After Harvest
Start pruning your cherry tree after the harvest in summer. This timing helps maintain a compact yet open crown, allowing for more fruit-bearing branches to develop.
2️⃣ Begin with Larger Branches
Focus on cutting back the larger branches first. This will help shape the overall structure of the tree before addressing the smaller branches.
3️⃣ Address Smaller Branches in Late Winter
Once the larger branches are pruned, turn your attention to the smaller branches during late winter. This prepares the tree for the upcoming growing season.
4️⃣ Create a Well-Structured Crown
In the first few years, aim to establish a well-structured crown with a central leader and three main branches positioned at angles of 90 to 120 degrees. This configuration promotes good light penetration and fruit production.
5️⃣ Remove Competing Shoots
If you see any shoots growing straight up towards the central leader, remove them or bend them to a more favorable angle. This helps maintain the tree’s shape and encourages healthy growth.
6️⃣ Keep Young Shoots Intact
Avoid cutting the one-year-old, unbranched shoots, as these will produce the most flowers and fruits in the following season.
7️⃣ Perform Thinning Cuts
Every three to four years, perform thinning cuts to remove dead or crossing branches. This enhances air circulation and light exposure within the crown, leading to healthier fruit-bearing wood.
8️⃣ Shorten Old Branches
When pruning older branches, cut them back to short stubs of about 10 to 20 cm. This encourages new growth and maintains the tree’s vigor.
9️⃣ Focus on Fruitful Wood
Be careful not to cut branches with round flower buds, as these will yield fruit in the coming season. Concentrate on removing deadwood and poorly positioned branches instead.
🔟 Use Proper Cutting Techniques
Instead of simply shortening long branches, redirect them to a younger, outward-facing side shoot. This technique prevents undesirable growth patterns and ensures a well-lit crown.
By following these steps, you can keep your cherry tree healthy and productive, leading to a bountiful harvest of delicious cherries. Enjoy the pruning process, and happy gardening! 🍒🌳