Pruning your cherry tree is essential for its health and productivity. The ideal time to prune is from mid-May to mid-August, during the tree’s active growth phase. If your tree hasnβt been pruned since planting, light pruning can also be done between November and mid-March.
To start, gather the necessary equipment. Clean, sharp pruning shears are crucial to avoid damaging the branches.
Follow these basic pruning principles:
– For the first three years, focus on establishing a strong branch structure by encouraging the growth of new shoots over older branches.
– From year four onward, minimize the risk of fungal infections by removing diseased and crossed branches, and maintain an open center to promote air circulation.
When pruning, use the following techniques:
– In the first year, cut the main stem to about 1 meter high in March.
– In the second year, select three or four main branches and prune them to around 40 cm, allowing lateral shoots to remain at 15 cm.
– In the third year, trim the branches to about 35 cm in length, removing any weak or crossed shoots.
Hygiene is also important; sterilize your cutting tools between each tree to prevent disease spread, and try to prune during dry weather to reduce infection risks.
To achieve a “wine goblet” shape, encourage branches to grow upwards and away from the center of the tree, removing any inward-growing shoots to keep the center clear.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your cherry tree remains healthy and productive for many seasons to come! π³π