How to prune a cherry tree

The cherry tree It is a tree that, in addition to producing delicious fruits, is very decorative for its beautiful spring flowers. As if that were not enough, its leaves turn orange-reddish in autumn before falling. It is resistant, decorative, easy to care for … What more could you ask for?

In order for it to produce an interesting amount of fruit from time to time we will have to trim the branches. But if you don’t know how to prune a cherry treekeep reading so you don’t miss any details.

The cherry tree, scientifically known by the name of Prunus aviumIt is a deciduous tree that can reach 5-7 meters in height. As its leaves fall in autumn, the ideal time to prune it will be from when the last leaf blade has fallen until the risk of frost has passedexcept of course the coldest days or weeks of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere it is normally pruned in October-November or March-April. It all depends on the climate, because the milder it is, the sooner it can be pruned. Once we decide to prune it, we will have to do the following:

• We will cut off all the weak and diseased brancheseither with the help of a pruning shears for the thinner ones, or with a small handsaw for the thicker ones.
• If it is a young tree, the main branch will be pruned about 70cm. In this way, it will be forced to take out new shoots. After one year, it will be shaped like a cone.
• Cut off the shoots and scions that grow at the base of the trunk. Trim them to ground level so they don’t come out again.
• Branches that cross or do not produce fruit, will be pruned at the level of the main trunk.
• In the event that you come across a diseased branch and you have to urgently prune it out of season, do it anyway. Cherry trees are very prone to disease, and it is therefore very important to keep it healthy. Also remember disinfect pruning tools before using them.