Overview
Cherry trees, or Cerasus, are a species of flowering tree native to Northern China, Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Northern America. In the United States alone, David Austin and non-hybrid cherry cultivars can be found from the Midwest to the Northeast. Homeowners choose to plant cherry trees in their gardens and landscapes for a variety of reasons, such as providing shade, aesthetic appeal, and – of course – the fragrance and beauty of their blossoms. As iconic as the cherry tree is both in folk tales and in reality, how much do you actually know about them? This piece will discuss the big cherry tree: its size, spacing, benefits, and more.
Size
At maturity, the average cherry tree can be anywhere from 10 to 40 feet tall and 10 to 30 feet wide. While the mature size of cherry trees may differ, depending on the type and cultivar, the majority of flowers, fruits, and foliage take up a comparable size of space. In some cases, cherry trees can even reach heights of up to 50 feet! If your garden or landscape is small, consider whether these dimensions work with your available space.
Spacing
The ideal spacing for planting cherry trees is a distance of 10 -15 feet apart. In areas where the trees may not have adequate spacing, you can use what’s known as “counter-espalier,” a way of training and pruning trees to fan out and minimize the amount of foliage spread.
Types
When it comes to types of cherry trees they are generally divided into two main categories: sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). The difference between the two is that sweet cherries are mostly used for eating and baking, while sour cherries are mostly used for cooking and processing into jams, jellies and juices. There are also a few cultivars that produce both sweet and sour fruits, sometimes referred to as hybrid cherries.
Pruning
In order for a cherry tree to flourish it must be pruned each year. Pruning not only helps keep the tree healthy, but encourages new fruit production, reduces the amount of disease, and keeps the size of the tree in check. When pruning make sure to avoid damage to the trunk and branches, while also removing anything that is dead or diseased.
Benefits
Cherry trees can offer so many benefits to gardens and landscapes. These benefits include providing shade to our warmer outdoor spaces, adding beauty to our yards with the abundance of beautiful white and pink flowers, extended use of our in-season ingredients thanks to the variety of fruits the tree produces, insect and bird control as they attract a variety of helpful insects that ward off pests. The cherry tree is truly a backyard asset.
Care
Caring for a cherry tree requires diligent attention to its root health, location in proper sunlight and soil fertility. Cherry trees benefit from mulch, regular watering and fertilization, but overwatering and over-mulching may lead to root and stem rot. To avoid these problems, keep in mind that cherry trees must receive six to seven hours of full sunlight and have well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Companion Plants
Choosing the right companion plants to surround a cherry tree is paramount for optimal growth and health. Generally, it is advised to avoid any plant that competes with the tree in terms of light, water, and nutrient availability. When selecting companion plants, you should select ones like pansies, jonquils, and lupins that prefer partial shade locations and modestly moist soil.
Friction Points
Although a cherry tree can offer subtle benefits to gardens and landscapes, it can also bring with it a few drawbacks. These drawbacks include the mess of fruits that may occur, difficulty in pruning, the potential need for chemical treatment, the possibility of drought and severe weather, and the costs associated with fertilizers and mulching. It is important to bear in mind these issues before considering a cherry tree for your garden or landscape.
Urban Planting
In recent years, cherry trees have become popular among urban plantings. Urban plantings often opt for varieties that can withstand harsh conditions or are not as prone to disease, and cherry trees boast both of these qualities. Additionally, cherry trees may be planted to create a sense of design in the city, giving way to urban green spaces and parks populated with cherry blossoms.
Harvesting and Storage
When it comes to harvesting and storing a cherry tree’s fruits, it is important to understand both the optimal timing as well as the specific methods and techniques. Generally, it is advised to harvest cherries when they are fully ripened – usually when they are dark red or purple, with firm but ripe texture. Fruits may be stored and are kept fresh for three to four days in the refrigerator.
Pests and Diseases
Cherry trees are prone to a variety of different pests, such as Japanese and Oriental beetles, aphids, and scales. If not treated, these pests may cause damage to the foliage and flowers, decrease the amount of fruit produced, and even cause the death of the tree. Fungal diseases, like brown rot and shot hole, are also common ailments faced by cherry trees. To combat these, the tree must be diligently monitored and any signs of disease must be treated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the big cherry tree is an iconic garden addition, providing beauty, shade, and – of course – delicious fruits. Understanding the size and spacing needs of these trees, as well as the proper care and attention surrounding harvest and storage of their fruits, can make for a successful and satisfying adding to any garden or landscape.
