Cherry trees are popular for their stunning blooms in the spring and their delicious fruits in the summer. They can be a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can also quickly become too large for their space if not given proper care. Learning how to control a cherry tree’s size and keep it small is important for any gardener who wants their tree to look nice and provide the optimal growing environment. Here’s what you need to know to keep your cherry tree compact and healthy.
Gardeners should start by taking into consideration the tree’s natural tendencies. Ignoring a cherry tree’s growth rate and expected size can lead to disappointment, because even if it’s kept small, it will have a tendency to grow larger as it matures. Nigel Pargeter, a gardening expert, says: “It is important to do your research and select a variety that will fit the space you have and still reach its full potential. The ultimate size of the tree will depend on the species and the way it is grown, so pick the variety you find most pleasing, and then follow the instructions to keep it small.”
One of the key approaches to keeping a cherry tree small is yearly pruning. This should start when the tree is still young and each year prune branches and trim off any broken or dead growth. Doing this in early spring will also ensure that the tree will focus its energy on its health and growth, not on fruiting. If a gardener is looking to produce fruit, they can opt to cut the lower branches of the tree in late winter to create an appropriate canopy. Getting rid of any branches in competing growth positions is also important to keep the tree from becoming unbalanced and getting too large.
Another effectual way to keep a cherry tree small is limiting its water intake. Even though many gardeners are tempted to water their plants generously, doing so for a cherry tree will cause it to become bigger than it should. Gardeners are, instead, encouraged to water judiciously, only when the soil is dry and not directly after fertilizing. Installing a water timer or dripper system for the cherry tree is a great way to keep track of its watering frequency.
Finally, it is essential to understand how the tree will react to the conditions in its environment. Many cherry tree species need protection from harsh weather conditions, and should be planted in a sheltered spot if they are going to thrive. Paying attention to the local climate and finding the right location where the tree can be comfortable is essential in order to keep it small and healthy.
Fertilizing
To ensure that a cherry tree grows to its expected size and produces quality fruit, it is necessary to use fertilizer regularly. During its first two years, apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer that contains the major nutrients required for healthy growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize during the spring, summer, and early fall by placing the fertilizer at the tree’s roots and away from the trunk. Additionally, make sure the fertilizer is well-blended into the soil and not directly touching the tree.
Organic fertilizers are a great alternative to chemical-based ones. They tend to release the nutrients slowly, nourishing the soil and helping to balance the pH level of the soil. Organic fertilizers that contain phosphorus, such as bonemeal, wood ashes, and rock phosphate, are ideal for a cherry tree, promoting strong stem and root growth. An experienced gardener can also test the soil and apply more specific nutrients to help the tree reach its full potential.
Managing Sunlight
The amount of sunlight that a cherry tree receives should also be taken into consideration. If it is in an area of direct sunlight, it’s likely to become bigger. Therefore, it’s important to control the sunlight exposure, choosing a location with just enough sun for the tree to thrive without being overwhelmed.
It is also essential to keep the crown of the cherry tree thin and open. This helps ensure that all the branches receive adequate sunlight and they will, as a result, produce fruit. To achieve this goal, prune weak and competing branches and, every three years or so, remove a third of the oldest branches. This will correct the shape of the tree and regulate the amount of sun that each branch receives.
Insects and Disease
Insects and disease can also be a major factor in keeping a cherry tree small. Be sure to inspect the tree often for signs of pests and act immediately if there is an infestation. Also keep an eye out for any signs of disease, such as discolored leaves or branch dieback. If something seems off, contact a certified arborist for advice and to have it treated, if necessary.
Being aware of the common vine borers, aphids, mites, and scale insects that can affect cherry trees will help you detect any issues early. These insects can damage the tree and stunt its growth, thus affecting its small size. Utilizing homemade or chemical-free pest control if possible is the best way to protect the tree. Additionally, making sure that the tree is healthy and not under any stress is also a great way to prevent insect or disease outbreaks.
Root Pruning
Root pruning is a form of tree training that is effective in controlling the size of cherry trees. It involves digging into the soil around the tree and pruning any roots that are spreading too far from its main root system. Doing this allows the tree to focus its energy on its existing roots, rather than forming more of them. It also limits its size and encourages the tree to become denser. Root pruning should be done every two or three years by an experienced gardener, who can estimate the size of the tree and decide which roots to prune in order to achieve the desired size.
Pruning After Fruiting
Once the cherry tree is done fruiting for the season, it can be pruned back to control its size and shape. Fruiting branches should be trimmed back to their growth points, and new branches that are trying to compete can be pruned back to their buds. Ultimately, trees should be pruned in a way that promotes growth within its existing structure and avoids over-pruning.
To finish, it is important to remember that cherry trees need regular care and attention in order to keep them small. Taking the necessary steps to limit a cherry tree’s size requires understanding of its growth pattern, and engaging in regular pruning and maintenance practices. Keeping a cherry tree compact by regulating its watering, sunlight exposure, and fertilizing, and expertly managing pest and diseases and practicing root pruning, is essential for the overall success of this beloved plant.
