Orchards
Cherry trees are becoming increasingly popular due to their abundance in fruit, their attractive blossoms and their overall resilience to the elements. When planting a cherry tree, it is essential to take into consideration the proximity to other trees and the house.
Most studies indicate that the ideal distance between cherry trees and the house is between 20 and 30 feet. This distance can be adjusted depending on the size of the cherry tree and how likely it is to overhang and cause damage to the house. Many homeowners follow the rule of thumb of planting a cherry tree at least one third of the mature height of the tree away from the house.
The location of all trees and plants has a major impact on the growth of the tree. Cherry trees, for example, require full sun for a minimum of six to eight hours in order to flower and bear fruit. If the cherry tree is planted too close to the house, it can block the sun, damaging the cherry tree’s ability to flower and yield fruit.
Cherry trees also require proper air circulation in order to thrive. Good air circulation helps keep the tree free of pests, reduces the chances of fungal infection and helps keep the tree healthy.
When correctly placed, cherry trees can add to an attractive landscape or even a productive orchard. When planted too close to the house, however, the cherry tree may cause damage to the building. To prevent this, measure the distance carefully before planting a cherry tree.
Shade
Cultivation of cherry trees as a part of an orchard brings a unique advantage in that many cherry trees are self-pollinating, with some having more than one variety of pollen. While this characteristic is ideal for the orchard, it can become a problem for any house that is too close. The height and heavy foliage of the mature cherry tree can create a thick blanket of shade over a house, leading to increased energy costs.
Large cherry trees, even when kept at a safe distance from the house, can still cause minor issues. The sheer size of the mature cherry tree can block the beautiful landscape and vistas of the property, or even block out essential sunshine that the house is designed to receive.
The solution is not to avoid planting cherry trees altogether, but instead to be aware of the growth potential of a cherry tree and plant it as far away from the home as possible. This will also provide the homeowner with adequate space to access and prune the tree while it’s young.
Damage Prevention
Cherry trees can also cause damage to the house, which is the result of inadvertent escape of the root system. As cherry trees get older, their roots longer and can travel farther than expected, damaging the house’s foundation. Allowing the tree’s root system to grow naturally at a distance from the house will keep it healthy and unlikely to cause damage.
When placing a cherry tree near the house, also ensure that it is not planted too close to any power lines, as these can be hazardous. If the tree has to be placed close to the power line, it is important to factor in a plan to remove it once it reaches a certain height or size in order to prevent any potential damage to the power lines.
When planting cherry trees close to a house, be sure to use soil that drains well in order to prevent root rot and fungus. Maintaining good drainage around the tree is particularly important in the cases of trees located near a house.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing the cherry tree is important not just for its growth but also for its placement near the house. Fertilizers that contain phosphorus and potassium are great for root growth and are important for healthy trees placed close to the home. It is also beneficial to apply a common fungicide to the cherry tree before every frost season in order to prevent spread of fungus and diseases.
In short, cherry trees should not be planted too close to the house in order to prevent potential damage to the home and structure. While some homeowners may think that a few feet of space is fine, it is best to plant the tree farther away than closer. If done correctly, the cherry tree can bring both beauty and productivity to the orchard, as well as years of enjoyment.
Diseases and Pests
Since cherry trees are prone to so many diseases and pests, they must be given special care when planting them close to the house. For example, cherry trees can suffer from black knot, a fungal infection that causes knots to form on the tree, and brown rot, which causes the tree’s leaves, flowers and fruits to wither and die.
These diseases can spread quickly to other trees and even to the house itself if the cherry tree is planted too close. To prevent the spread of disease, it is best to plant the cherry tree far away from other trees as well as from the house.
In addition to diseases, pests can also pose a problem. Mites, borers and Japanese beetles can all cause significant damage to the cherry tree and, in some cases, even the house. To prevent these infestations, it is important to plant the cherry tree away from other trees if possible, and to wash the leaves regulariy with an insecticidal soap.
Watering
Just as important as planting the cherry tree away from the house is watering it correctly. A cherry tree no farther than 20 to 30 feet away from the house should not need to be watered daily because of its location, but should get a good soaking every 7 to 10 days.
The amount of water should be adjusted according to the weather. During dry periods, the cherry tree should be watered more often, with more water applied each time. During rainy periods, it should be watered less often and with far less water each time.
When planting and caring for a cherry tree near the house, it is important to keep the root system healthy and not overwater. Too much water can cause the root system to grow faster, eventually extending beyond the boundaries of the orchard and in some cases to the house itself.
Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil with the proper nutrients is essential for success when planting a cherry tree close to the house. Before planting, it is important to enrich the soil with added organic matter, such as compost and aged manures, in order to give the cherry tree the best possible chance to thrive.
Additionally, measuring the pH of the soil can help determine if the soil is suitable for cherry tree growth. A pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal and indicates that the soil is suitable for cherry tree growth. If the soil has a pH outside of this range, adjustments may have to be made to correct it before planting.
Finally, it is important to plan for proper drainage when planting a cherry tree near the house. Poor drainage can cause root rot and may even cause water damage to the house. If drainage is an issue, raised beds or planter boxes may need to be used in order to ensure the proper drainage of water from the cherry tree and away from the house.
Insect Control
Insects can causes major damage to cherry trees on and around the house, so it is important to take steps to prevent infestations. Draping a piece of bird netting over the cherry tree can help keep some of the insects away, and it is also important to inspect the tree regularly for any damage or signs of insect infestation.
It is possible to use pesticides and insecticides to control insect infestations, but it is important to research which products are appropriate for the cherry tree and the area where it is planted. It is also important to remember that some pests, such as Japanese beetles, need to be controlled by hand in order to be effectively treated.
When treating pest infestations, it is important to take care not to cause damage to beneficial insects in the process. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hover flies, provide a great service to the cherry tree, so treating only the pests that are damaging or have the potential to damage the tree is the best course of action.
Spacing
Correct spacing is essential when planting cherry trees close to the house. For example, if a group of multiple cherry trees is intended, they should always be planted a minimum of 6-10 feet apart, depending on the variety. This provides plenty of air circulation and helps reduce the potential for spread of diseases or pests.
Even if only a single cherry tree is to be planted, it is important to give it some room to grow. A general rule is that cherry trees should not be planted closer than 15 feet from other trees, including other cherry trees.
In addition to spacing between cherry trees, it is important to consider the spacing between any cherry trees and structures such as the house. Generally, cherry trees should be planted at least 20 to 30 feet away from the house, and the size of the tree should be taken into account when measuring the distance.
Finally, when planting cherry trees near the house, it is important to keep an eye on the growing tree in order to ensure that it is not overcrowding other trees or encroaching on the house. Prune and monitor the cherry tree regularly to make sure that it is growing in the direction that you intended and not causing any damage.
