What is a Cherry Tree Look Like?
Cherry trees are a popularly grown fruit tree that are known for adding beauty to gardens with their attractive blooms and delicious, juicy fruit. As tree growers from all over the world can attest, cherry trees come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Cherry trees are usually considered to be small to medium in terms of size, typically reaching a height of between 15-25 feet when fully grown. They have a compact, rounded shape. The foliage of cherry trees is quite variable, depending on the species. Most cherry trees have a feathery, deeply lobed pattern of foliage, appearing bright green in color.
Cherry trees are particularly well known for their beautiful pink or white blooms. These flowers will typically appear in the late winter or early spring months, depending on the variety of cherry tree. Each bloom is a large cluster of petals, with three to five flowers per stem. These blooms will then turn into cherries, although the size and color will vary depending on the species.
Cherry trees can be quite long-lived when given proper care, with some varieties lasting for up to 100 years or more. In addition to providing fresh cherries each year, cherry trees can provide many other benefits. Among these benefits is the fact that the flowers from cherry trees can become sources of food for various species of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Cherry trees are relatively easy to take care of. When planting a cherry tree, it’s important to choose a location that offers adequate sunlight and good drainage. When establishing the tree, be sure to dig the hole just deep enough that the roots will be covered, but not so deep that the tree will sit too low in the ground. It’s also important to prune the cherry tree back each year, as this will help to keep the tree healthy and productive.
Harvesting Cherry Trees
Cherry trees can be harvested a few times each year, depending on the variety. Dwarf cherries, for example, can be harvested multiple times during the spring and summer months, while standard-sized cherries should only be harvested one or two times per year. When harvesting cherries, be sure to use careful techniques that don’t damage the fruit.
To properly harvest cherries from a tree, start by running your hands across the branches and carefully picking the cherries with your fingertips. Don’t be too rough, as this can easily cause the fruit to break or bruise. Be sure to dispose of any bruised fruits, as these won’t stay fresh for long after harvesting.
When removing the cherries from the tree, be sure to take the stem with you, as this will help to keep the cherry fresh for longer. Once the cherries have been harvested, they’ll need to be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a refrigerator.
Health Benefits of Cherries
In addition to the aesthetic and productivity benefits of cherry trees, they also have a wide range of health benefits associated with them. Cherries contain a number of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have been shown to have positive impacts on human health.
One of the most notable health benefits of cherries is due to their high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better cognitive function, and reduced inflammation.
Cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, with regular consumption of cherries being linked to better quality sleep. This can be incredibly helpful for anyone who struggles with insomnia or difficulty sleeping, as adequate rest is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
In addition to these benefits, cherries are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to promote digestive health and improve heart health. Studies have also shown that cherries may be helpful for reducing blood sugar and controlling blood pressure.
Growing Cherry Trees in Different Locations
Cherry trees are fairly adaptive to a variety of conditions, allowing them to be grown in both tropical and temperate climates. One factor to keep in mind, however, is the need for a certain amount of cold weather during the winter months in order for the trees to flower and produce fruit.
In tropical climates, cherry trees can grow well in locations with slightly cooler temperatures. This means that temperatures of around 60°F are ideal for cherry trees, with temperatures rarely dropping below 30°F or rising above 85°F.
In temperate climates, cherry trees require significantly colder temperatures during the winter months. In order to produce flowers, temperatures should stay consistently around 0°F or lower for a period of at least 400 hours. This will allow the trees to properly flower and produce fruit during the summer months.
Types of Cherry Trees
There is a wide variety of cherry trees that can be grown in the home garden. The most popular varieties of cherry trees include sour cherries, sweet cherries, and Japanese cherries. Each type of cherry tree has its own unique characteristics and benefits.
Sour cherries, such as the popular Montmorency cherry, are a tart variety of cherry tree that is often used for making baked goods such as pies and jams. Sweet cherries, like Bing cherries, are great for fresh eating and can be used for many different types of dishes.
Japanese cherries, such as Yoshino cherry, are a compact and attractive variety of cherry tree. These cherries are often grown for ornamental purposes, as their abundant blooms offer a beautiful display in the spring.
Care and Maintenance of Cherry Trees
Caring for cherry trees can be a simple and rewarding process. During the growing season, cherry trees should be watered regularly but not overwatered, as this can lead to disease and pest infestations. Fertilizing once a year is also important, as this will help to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
In terms of pruning, it’s important to prune cherry trees each year to keep their shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring when the trees are still dormant.
Insect and disease problems can occur occasionally with cherry trees, but these issues can usually be combatted with natural solutions such as insecticidal soap and neem oil. Regularly inspecting the trees for insects and unusual signs of disease can help to catch problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious.
In Conclusion
Cherry trees are a great addition to any garden, offering beauty, delicious fruit, and a wide range of health benefits. With proper care and maintenance, these trees can provide years of enjoyment and tasty harvests. Whether you’re looking for an ornamental tree for the landscape or for a source of fresh cherries for baking and cooking, cherry trees can be a great choice.
