Black cherry trees, known scientifically as Prunus serotina, are native to much of North America. The trees are valued for their wood, which is dark and durable, and their fruit, which is used for baking and confection making. But just how big can a black cherry tree grow?
The height of most wild specimens range between 50 and 100 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 2 to 4 feet. In some cases, however, black cherry trees can grow even taller. One of Pennsylvania’s oldest black cherry trees has been recorded at a staggering 115 feet in height with a trunk 6 feet in diameter.
According to the US Forest Service, “Black cherry is the most widespread and commercially important native hardwood species in the eastern United States. It is a graceful shade tree with a broad-spreading, flat-topped crown of spreading branches. It usually grows to about 70-80 feet, but can grow up to 100 feet in ideal conditions.”
But getting a black cherry tree to grow this tall is no small feat: it requires special attention in terms of soil type, as well as a well-drained, sunny location.
John Whalen, an arborist with the University of Georgia, believes that “the best soil for black cherry trees is sandy loam. This type of soil contains a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay particles, which are essential for adequate water drainage. Black cherry trees also need plenty of sunlight, so be sure to plant them in a sunny location.”
Not only does the soil need to be just right: proper pruning is also essential if you want to encourage your black cherry tree to reach its full potential. “Make sure you prune the tree in the early spring,” advises Whalen, “This will help stimulate new growth and promote fruit production.”
With the right environment, a black cherry tree can reach a height of up to 100 feet, making it an impressive addition to any landscape. But with the right care and attention these majestic trees can reach even greater heights.
Frequency Of Pruning
With proper pruning, a black cherry tree can grow to impressive heights, but how often should you prune one? “It really depends on the tree,” says Whalen, “but I generally suggest pruning every year or two. This will help keep the tree healthy and promote good fruit production.”
When pruning, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the tree’s crown to encourage new growth. “You should also remove any water sprouts or suckers, as these will take energy away from the mature branches and fruit production,” reminds Whalen.
Many horticulturists suggest pruning the canopy of the tree every 5 to 10 years to keep it in a healthy shape and encourage growth. This will help keep your black cherry tree strong and healthy for many years to come.
Fruit Production
Black cherry trees are also prized for their fruit, which can be used in desserts or used to make jams and jellies. But in order to produce a good amount of fruit, the tree must get enough sun and water.
Adam Fodor, a horticulturalist with Cornell University, states that “black cherry trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun and about an inch of water every week in order to produce a good crop of fruit.” He also suggests fertilizing the tree at least once a year with a balanced fertilizer to ensure the soil is rich in essential nutrients.
Fodor also recommends thinning out the fruit when it starts to grow. “Removing some of the fruit will help ensure that the tree doesn’t become over-burdened,” he says. It will also help ensure that the fruit develops nice and evenly.
Pest Management
While black cherry trees are fairly hardy, they can be susceptible to certain pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles. It is important to take steps to prevent and/or treat these pests in order to keep the tree healthy.
Neem oil, an organic pesticide, is an effective treatment for aphids and a variety of other pests. Whalen recommends applying the oil at the first sign of an infestation in order to keep the problem from getting worse.
Japanese beetles can be a bit trickier to deal with. Whalen suggests treating the tree with a liquid insecticide, such as Sevin, at the beginning of the beetle’s active season. He also recommends hand-picking the beetles off of the tree if possible.
Disease Management
Black cherry trees are susceptible to a number of diseases, most notably bacterial canker and fire blight. Bacterial canker is caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas syringae and can result in lesions on the tree’s leaves, stems, and fruits. Fire blight is an even more serious threat, as it can kill the tree if left untreated.
If you notice any signs of these diseases, it is important to take immediate action. The most effective treatment is to prune away any infected branches and treat the remaining parts of the tree with a copper-based fungicide, such as copper sulfate.
Conclusion
Given proper attention and care, a black cherry tree can reach great heights and produce a large crop of delicious fruit. By providing ample sun and water, pruning the tree regularly, and treating any pests and diseases, you can ensure your black cherry tree will thrive and grow for many years to come.
