Cherry Tree Characteristics
The cherry tree is a species of woody, deciduous tree in the Rosaceae family. These trees are cultivated for their sweet fruit and for their fragrant flowers. Cherry trees are renowned for their stunning pink blooms and for the delicious, flavorful cherries they produce. They vary in size and shape depending on species and cultivar and are beloved for their beautiful components in nature and gardens.
Cherry trees have a silvery-greenish hue to their bark, with longer and wider twigs that are reddish-brown. Flowers are white or pale pink, depending on species and cultivar, with four petals. Fruit is usually red or yellow, round and smooth-skinned with one single, long seed.
Size of Cherry Trees
Cherry trees can range in size from the ‘Dwarf Sour Cherry’, a compact, small tree, to the ‘Cherry Laurel’, an evergreen that takes on a tree-like form and can reach heights of up to forty feet tall. The larger the tree, the more cherries it can produce. On average, cherry trees reach heights of sixty to seventy feet tall, but with proper pruning, they can be contained and kept much smaller.
Cherry trees also vary in width, with most reaching between twenty to forty feet in diameter. Again, with proper pruning and care, most cherry trees can be kept smaller if necessary.
Growing a Cherry Tree
Growing a cherry tree requires a large amount of dedication, as cherry trees require a lot of maintenance and specific soil and climate conditions. Cherry trees typically take several years to settle into the groundwater cycle, and usually do not reach their full height until they are at least five years old.
Before planting a cherry tree, gardeners need to consider the climate, soil type and pollution levels of the area. They also need to consider the height and width of the space available and the type of tree that best suits the area.
A Cherry tree needs an area with full sun exposure, with well-draining soil, that is slightly acidic and of good quality. The cherry tree should be planted at the same depth as it was previously and given a generous amount of water, as the roots are quite shallow.
Caring for a Cherry Tree
Caring for a cherry tree has many layers and requires a lot of attention. These trees require proper fertilization, as some species are heavy feeders. Applying an organic mulch around the trees can help to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and add nutrients. Proper pruning techniques should also be applied to cherry trees to promote fresh growth and prevent disease and pests.
Since these trees require a lot of water and attention, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Cherry trees should never be allowed to dry out and should be watered deeply if necessary.
Pests and Diseases
Although a properly cared for cherry tree is mostly resistant to pests, it is important to be aware of common pests including caterpillars, fruit flies, aphids, and scale insects. Diseases can range from fungi to bacterial infections, but most are preventable with proper care.
Common diseases include powdery mildew, scab, leaf spot, and canker. These can be prevented with regular spraying of fungicides where necessary, encouraging better air circulation, and allowing plenty of light onto the tree.
Harvesting Cherries
Harvesting cherries usually occurs over the course of several weeks in the spring or early summer months, depending on the species and location. This typically begins with dark red, tart or sour cherries which are ready around June and continue into Sweet Cherry season when they are ready at the end of June or early July. It is important to harvest the cherries when they are ripe and avoid any that are still green.
Uses of Cherries
Cherries are widely consumed fresh or canned and make a great addition to many dishes, desserts and cocktails. Cherries are high in vitamin C and fiber, and are also great sources of potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Cherries have a bright flavor and can be used to make jams, jellies, and pies. Cherries can also be dried for a sweet and chewy snack or used for flavored syrups for beverages. In addition to their culinary uses, the wood from cherry trees has a unique and appealing color and texture, and is popular for manufacturing furniture, cabinetry and musical instruments.
Interesting Facts about Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are a much-beloved tree for many reasons. Here are a few interesting facts about them:
- Cherry trees can live for approximately forty years.
- Cherry trees grown in the same area often bloom at the same time.
- Cherry trees attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
- Cherry trees can withstand winter temperatures as low as ten-twenty degrees.
- Cherry trees can absorb eleven thousand gallons of water during a rainstorm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cherry trees are a beloved species of woody, deciduous tree for many reasons. These trees come in a range of sizes and shapes, require specific soil and climate conditions, and have many uses from bearing delicious fruit to providing wood for furniture. With proper care, cherry trees can last as long as forty years and can provide a lifetime of beauty and joy.
