When To Net A Cherry Tree
Cherries are a beloved summertime fruit and netting cherry trees is one way to ensure a bountiful harvest. But timing netting is critical for the health of the trees and for effective pest control.
Pruning and strategic netting can help protect the cherry tree from birds and other pests that can damage or reduce the crop. Different methods of netting will be needed for different types of trees, such as sweet cherries, sour cherries, and ornamental cherries. Determining when to net a tree is the most important factor in a successful harvest and can help prevent the need for costly repairs after the season.
Understanding Blooming
Understanding the bloom cycle of the tree can be a great indicator of when to net it. Sweet cherry trees typically bloom in late winter or early spring. The fruit will appear weeks after the trees bloom and can last late into summer. Sour cherry trees also bloom in early spring and may continue to produce fruit until the end of summer or early fall. Ornamental varieties tend to bloom in late spring or early summer.
Netting trees during the bloom cycle is important because it allows the bees to pollinate the flowers. Doing so can help the trees produce a larger yield of fruit. Once the tree is pollinated, the netting can be put up to protect the tree from other pests.
Installation of Netting
Netting is best installed when the tree is in full bloom, just before the fruit has fully matured. The netting should also fit snugly on the cherry tree and should be secured along the branches and trunk. If a mismatched net is used the tree’s flowers and fruits may be damaged. Netting should be removed immediately after the harvest season to ensure the tree is not injured.
Netting should be checked regularly for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, it should be replaced as soon as possible before the damage begins to spread. Cherry trees that have been successfully netted typically produce bumper crops of healthy fruit.
Best Practices
When netting or pruning cherry trees, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure a healthy, successful harvest. Pruning should be done in early spring or late winter to allow the tree to recover before the bloom cycle starts.
The tree should also be checked for any signs of disease or pests. Any branches with damaged or decaying wood should be removed to discourage fungi or bacteria from spreading throughout the tree. During the season, be sure to check for any potential problems and take preventative measures, such as spraying for fungal diseases.
The Benefits of Netting
Netting cherry trees can help prevent fruit from being eaten by birds or other pests. Fruit that is heavy or at the top of the tree is most likely to be targeted. Nets are generally placed around the trunk and held tight with stakes to keep the nets in place.
Netting can also prevent fruit drop, which can be a problem in cherry trees. Fruit may drop off before it’s mature and ready for harvest. When using netting, it is important to give the tree some extra space and to adjust the netting as necessary. This will ensure the tree’s branches are not weighed down and the weight of the fruit is evenly distributed.
Disadvantages of Netting
Netting cherry trees may lead to some disadvantages. Birds may find ways to get through the net or may attempt to build nests inside the netting which can block the tree’s flowers and affect fruit production. If a bird does get inside the net, the tree should be inspected for damage or disease.
Netting can also lead to overcrowding and the tree may be deprived of light, air, and water. This can affect the growth of the tree, leading to small and unhealthy fruits. Netting can also lead to branches breaking off, causing damage to the tree.
Pest Control Strategies
There are several strategies for controlling pests in cherry trees. The first step is to regularly prune dead or weak branches. Pruning is effective in controlling fungal diseases, which can harm a tree’s fruit production.
Spraying the tree with a fungicide or pesticide is also effective in controlling pests. Organic methods such as natural pest repellents can be used to keep away pests. The use of netting can also help prevent damage.
Disease Prevention
Many cherry trees are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as brown rot and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause the leaves and fruit of the tree to become discolored and unappetizing. Taking preventative measures to stop the spread of disease is important for keeping a healthy tree and harvest.
Regularly pruning the tree, checking for signs of disease or pests, and applying a fungicide or pesticide when necessary is important. Netting can also help keep away birds that may carry diseases into the tree.
Irrigation Practices
Irrigating cherry trees is important for the tree’s health and growth. The tree should be watered regularly and deeply, as shallow watering may cause the roots to dry out. The tree should be watered during the dry months and mulch should be used to help keep the soil moist.
It is important to water the tree early in the day and not late in the afternoon, as this can cause fungus problems to occur. Irrigation strategies should be adjusted as necessary, for example during very hot or dry spells.
Harvesting Tips
Netting can help protect the cherry tree from birds and other pests, ensuring a bountiful harvest. But timing netting is critical for the health of the tree and for effective pest control.
When it comes to harvesting, the fruits should be allowed to ripen on the tree, until they soften and begin to change color. Fruits that are plucked too soon may be sour or unappetizing. It is also important to handle the fruit carefully, as it can be easily bruised or damaged.
Storing the Fruits
Once the fruits are harvested, they should be cleaned and stored immediately in a cool and dark location. The fruits can be stored in the refrigerator or in a cool dry place, such as a basement or pantry. It is important to inspect the fruits regularly and remove any that are damaged or discolored.
Cherries are a beloved summertime fruit and netting cherry trees is one way to ensure a bountiful harvest. But timing netting is critical for the health of the trees and for effective pest control. Pruning, disease prevention, irrigation practices, and storing are all important in a successful cherry harvest. When it comes to harvesting and netting, timing is key to protecting the tree and the fruit for a nutritious and abundant harvest.
