Physical Features
The cherry tree is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the rose family, with a height of 10-30 meters and a broad, open crown. Its bark is smooth and medium-gray in color, with horizontally-elliptical lenticels. The cherry tree has an alternate leaf arrangement – the pointed leaves are dark green with a serrated margin, often having seven lobes with a 2.5-5 cm length. The structure of its leaves changes to an orange-red through the fall.
Colours and Blossoming
The cherry tree is known for its light pink to white flowers, often abundant in number and several inches in diameter. The blooms may appear singularly or in clusters of two to five. During the springtime, fragrant blossoms blanket the tree’s branches, eventually developing into small, red fruit. As the season passes and the weather warms, the fruit grows and ripens to a deep, dark crimson color, full of flavor and nutritional value.
Widespread Plantation
Cherry trees are native to Europe and Asia and are widely cultivated in many parts of the world. They can be planted in orchards, farmsteads, or parks.
Soil Requirements
Cherry trees grow best in moist, well-drained soils, with a higher amount of available nitrogen and lower levels of salt compared to other tree species. They have a shallow root system, so they require additional fertilizer, especially when planted in sandy soil.
Climate
Cherry trees are most suited to temperate climates, although they may produce fruit in subtropical regions with mild winters. In hotter, dry climates, these trees may need extra irrigation and even protection from the sun.
Maintenance
Cherry trees are relatively manageable, but some pruning is needed to ensure their health, development and fruit production. Pruning is best carried out in late winters for young trees, and up to three to four times a year for established adult trees.
Uses
Cherries have many culinary uses, such as preserves and Cherry liqueur, as well as medicinal applications. According to experts, the fruit’s powerful antioxidant content can help lower bad cholesterol, treat night blindness and improve sleep.
Products
Cherry tree products include furniture, musical instruments and building materials. The tree’s strong and durable wood is used in flooring, doors and window frames, and also to make tool handles and carts.
Burning
Cherry wood is also a favorite source of firewood and can be used as smoking material to give food a unique flavor.
Conservation Status
Cherry trees, like many other species, are facing the threat of habitat loss from deforestation, climate change and over-harvesting of their fruits. In some places, it is a protected species and, in others, it is no longer found in the wild, except in areas kept for conservation purposes.
Spiritual Significance
Cherry trees are symbols of beauty, prosperity and rebirth in many cultures, appearing in artwork, literature, movies and songs. In Japan, it is associated with renewal and is often contained in tattoo imagery as a symbol of new beginnings.
Game
The cherry tree is often used as the base ingredient in the Japanese game ‘Hanami’ (Cherry Blossom Viewing). The game is a ‘hint-and-discover’-style play, in which a player must assemble a map with pieces depicting various cherry blossom scenes.
Economic Benefits
Cherries trees provide significant economic benefits to society, through the production of food, medicinals and various consumer goods. The fruits enhance the diets of many people, providing essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The species is also grown as an ornamental for parks, gardens and other commercial land uses, which provides employment for many people.
Disease Resistant
Cherry trees are considered to be relatively disease-resistant, due to the presence of cell walls with antioxidants, antifungals and other natural compounds. This reduces the chance of infection or infestation, allowing the species to thrive in most areas.
Harvesting
Cherry trees can be harvested by hand or mechanically with a machine. Hand harvesting is labor-intensive but often produces a better quality fruit with fewer blemishes. Conversely, machine harvesting is more efficient but can damage the trees and reduce yields.
Pest Management
Cherry trees can be susceptible to pest attacks from aphids, borers and birds, among other organisms. To keep pests at bay, farmers and gardeners can employ some form of pest management practice, such as netting, chemical sprays or trap crops.
Varieties
There are a variety of different types of cherry trees, including sweet, sour, and ornamental varieties. Depending on the species, the trees can produce either red, orange or yellow fruits. The varieties can be classified further in terms of their taste, shape, color and size.
Prolonged Life
Cherry trees can live up to 100 years, making them a valuable asset as they provide shade, reduce air pollution and produce food year after year.
Invasive Species
Unfortunately, some cherry tree species like the European Cherry are considered to be invasive due to their rampant growth and their aggressive spreading. They can quickly outcompete native species and cause ecological damage in a short amount of time.
Carbon Storage
Cherry trees also help to absorb and store carbon emissions, a trait that can help to reduce the impacts of global warming. Studies have shown that a single tree can store up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, making them an important tool in the fight against climate change.
