Have you ever wondered what the bark of a cherry tree looks like? Knowing what the bark of a particular species of tree looks like is one way of helping to identify and differentiate it from other trees in a given area. Cherry trees, a fruiting variety of Prunus, come in many varieties, and understanding what the bark looks like can be important to gardeners, arborists, landscapers, and more.
Today, cherry trees are widely cultivated, but they can still be found growing naturally in the wild, where they are often planted in flowery woodlands and thickets in areas with a temperate climate. Their barks can be grey, brown, or reddish-brown, and their colouring can often depend on their species and the region in which they live. Some bark can be smooth, although other species will have fibrous, cracked, or broken patterns.
What is interesting about cherry tree bark is that it is thick and tends not to change much with age. On a cherry tree, young and mature bark looks similar and can appear rugged, which helps protect it from the elements. Cracks may form over time, but usually, the amounts of crack or furrow remain the same, even on old cherry trees.
Cherry trees can also be used to help identify their species. For example, the bark of the black cherry tree has a distinct purple colour, deep fissures, and an aromatic smell. Also known as the bitter cherry, the bark of this species of cherry tree is generally a blackish colour with a scaly texture. On the other hand, the bark of the Chokecherry, another type of cherry tree, can appear dark when mature, but is generally smoother in appearance.
In addition to different appearances, some types of bark may have different functions beyond just identification. The bark of the Chokecherry, for example, may contain medicinal properties. The bark of the black cherry tree can contribute to the tannins in wine, and offer a rich flavour to barbecued or smoked meats.
The common sweet cherry tree, with its reddish-brown bark, is also found in abundance in backyards across the US. Due to its easy to recognize bark, this type of tree is one of the most popular cherry trees used in landscaping and gardening.
No matter what type of cherry tree you come across, whether it is growing in the wild or in someone’s backyard, it is a good practice to get to know its bark. Being informed can be especially beneficial if a tree has to be cut or removed from a landscape, in which case having some knowledge of what kind of cherry tree it is will be essential.
Different Growing Habits Of Cherry Trees
Cherry tree species have varying growing habits, which can result in different appearances for their bark. For example, black cherry trees usually sprout thin branches that have almost opposite leaves, with previous year’s twigs staying very thin and reddish in color. The bark of these species is grey-brown, with furrows that are broad and large, and can be interpreted as shaggy or scaly.
Chokecherry trees, on the other hand, can have thin-limbed twigs but with much denser growth. They tend to grow in width and form an interlocking canopy of branches, which can cause more cracks and scintilla to appear on the bark. This type of bark is also more weather tolerant than other types, due to its thick and scaly ridges.
Sweet cherry trees tend to form dense groupings, but not as tightly as Chokecherry trees. These trees are more resistant to strong winds, with bristly twigs and branches that do not usually break after harsh weather. The bark tends to have deep furrows and its colour can turn from grey to reddish-brown or blackish, depending on the environment.
Finally, sour cherry trees are fast growers, and with their thick, angular branches and broad green leaves, these trees can bear heavier fruit loads and survive in areas with low humidity. This type of bark is usually grey or greyish-brown with small scaly patterns, and usually does not crack or furrow too much. In cold climates however, it has been noted that bark tends to crack more, which makes it susceptible to pests.
Environmental Factors That Affect Cherry Tree Bark
The environment in which a cherry tree is planted can also have a major effect on its bark and ultimately, its health and lifespan. In cold climates, for example, cherry trees are more prone to cracking and furrowing of the bark due to lower temperatures, which can lead to more diseases and pest infestations. Rainfall can also cause cherry tree bark to lose its protective qualities and become brittle, especially when accompanied by low temperatures.
Other environmental factors that can affect cherry tree bark include soil moisture. Wet soils can encourage fungal or bacterial infections, which can weaken the bark and cause dieback to occur. Uneven environments with heavy wind can weaken the bark, too, as can long periods of drought or reduced nutrient levels in the soil.
Finally, some pests, such as borers, moths, and scale insects, can affect the bark of cherry trees. These pests weaken the bark, making it prone to infections, and can lead to the premature death of a cherry tree.
Cultural Practices That Can Help Keep Cherry Tree Bark Healthy
Cherry tree bark can be kept healthy and strong with a few cultural practices. For example, proper pruning and thinning techniques can help reduce the amount of stress on a tree and keep its bark healthy. Providing good drainage in the soil can help keep water levels stable, and a mulch layer can help protect tree bark from extreme temperatures.
Fertilizing can also help provide trees with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong. Applying fertilizer to a tree’s root zone, during the late winter or early spring before sap starts flowing, can help supply the tree with vital nutrients. Lastly, providing the tree with adequate sunlight, water, and air can help keep cherry tree bark healthy and looking its best.
Common Planting Methods Of Cherry Trees
There are several methods for planting cherry trees, depending on the size of the tree and the climate in which it will be planted. Container-grown trees can be planted during late winter or spring, for example, once the tree has reached about three feet in height. Trees that are bigger require a larger hole, so dig the soil at least two and a half feet deep.
When planting in colder climates short work should be done when the soil is still frozen to prevent the tree from drying out. Once springtime comes around, however, the ground can be mixed with compost and fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Cherry trees can also be planted from potted seedlings or from a nursery, either directly into the ground or in a pot. Mulch should always be applied to ensure a healthy water supply for the tree.
Conclusion Of Cherry Tree Bark
In conclusion, cherry tree bark can vary greatly in appearance, colour, and texture depending on the species of the tree, its region and environment, and other factors. Knowing what the bark of a particular species of tree looks like, as well as its cultural and environmental needs, can be a great help when caring for, planting, and identifying different kinds of cherry trees.
