Where Can I Buy a Cherry Tree Near Me?
For gardeners looking to add a certain look to their outdoor living space, owning a cherry tree can be a great option. Cherry trees are attractive, flowering trees that produce a wide variety of cherry fruits that can be eaten raw, used for desserts, or made into jams and jellies. While cherries are typically sweet, there are also a wide selection of sour cherry types, popular for their culinary uses in sauces and as garnishes. With so many uses and benefits, learning where to buy a cherry tree near me can be intriguing to any prospective grower.
The best part about buying a cherry tree for your home garden is the wide variety of options available. Sweet cherry trees are a great choice for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing ornamental tree, as the red and white flowers bloom throughout the spring.
Sour cherry trees are a great selection for those looking for a tree that produces culinary cherries. Sour cherries are commonly used in jams and sauces, as well as being an excellent addition to crumble recipes. Both types of cherry trees can be used to create a beautiful display of blossoms and ripe cherries, adding color and character to any garden setting.
Knowing where to buy a cherry tree near you is the key to a successful garden. As with any plant, it’s important to pick the right tree for your climate. In some areas, you can buy cherry trees from local nurseries and garden centers, usually from trees grown in the same climate. However, if you live in a more rural or colder part of the country, you may have to order your tree from a reputable online retailer that specializes in shipping live plants.
For those looking to buy a cherry tree, it’s important to research ahead of time. Ask neighbors who have successfully grown cherry trees, read online reviews of nurseries or online retailers, and if you can, purchase your tree in person and observe the plants.
Another option to consider if you’re looking to buy a cherry tree is to grow the tree from a cutting or seed. This can take some time, as growing from a seed will take at least a few years to grow, while cutting from an existing tree will take even longer. However, if you can wait and have the correct soil and climate conditions, this can be a great way to save money and customize your cherry tree.
How to Care for a Cherry Tree
Taking the time to properly care for your cherry tree is essential to getting the best harvest. While cherry trees are relatively low maintenance, they will require regular watering and occasional pruning to ensure the best output of fruit.
Cherry trees should be planted in well-draining soil, ensuring the trunk and roots are not sitting in standing water. These trees will thrive with a combination of direct sunlight and indirect light, so if possible try to plant in areas that have both. Water regularly, and if your local climate is prone to hot, dry spells in summer, it may be helpful to utilize a slow-drip irrigation system or soaker hose to ensure your tree is never without water.
Pruning your cherry tree yearly is also very important to ensure you reap the greatest harvest come fruit season. Late in winter, prune any branches with dead leaves or deadwood, and remove any branches that do not look healthy, or that are competing for resources. This will also allow for air circulation, encouraging new blossoms to form when in season.
The cherry tree is a great addition to any backyard or garden, and with proper care and attention, it can provide delicious, juicy fruit for years to come. Knowing where to buy a cherry tree near me is the key to getting the best fruit for your plant, so look for a local nursery and follow the steps above for a bountiful harvest.
Types of Cherry Trees
Cherry trees come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, including sweet cherries and sour cherries. With a few exceptions, cherry trees must have a certain variety to cross-pollinate, so it’s important to research the types of cherry trees in your area.
Sweet cherry trees are large, deciduous trees with erect branches and a rounded crown. These trees blossom in the spring and can reach up to 15 meters in height. They’re typically light-brown color with a coarse texture, and produce juicy, sweet cherries.
Sour cherry trees, in contrast, are much smaller, usually only reaching 5 meters in height. However, they are much more cold-resistant and can be grown in colder climates than sweet cherries. Sour cherries have a coarser texture and produce a tart, sour fruit. While sour cherry trees look similar to sweet varieties, the sizes and shapes of the fruits are different.
In either case, cherry trees will require pollinators from other cherry tree varieties. Choosing the correct pollinators and cultivars for your region is essential to produce a great yield of fruit each season.
Pests and Diseases to Look Out For
Even with the best care, cherry trees are prone to pests and diseases that can ruin your harvest and even kill your tree. Knowing which pests and diseases to look out for is key to managing potential outbreaks, and with the right skillset, it’s possible if caught early enough to successfully remove these threats.
The most common pests and diseases that affect cherry trees are aphids, caterpillars, mites, fungal diseases, canker diseases, and root rot. Aphids are tiny, insect-like pests that suck the juices from leaves or flowers, causing damage and eventual die-back of the branch. Monitor your tree for leaves and flowers turning yellow and wilting, as this could be a sign of an aphid infestation.
Caterpillars are common pests of cherry trees and can cause severe damage when left unchecked. Caterpillars will feed on the leaves of the tree, making webs on the branches and hindering the growth of the cherry tree. Check the tree often and remove any caterpillars you might find, and keep an eye out for yellowing leaves or dead branches.
Fungal diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew can wreak havoc on cherry trees if not managed properly. Brown rot usually occurs during wet weather, causing the leaves and twigs to discolor and dieback. Powdery mildew looks like a white or gray powder on the leaves and young flowers, which can weaken and eventually kill the cherry tree.
Canker diseases such as Armillaria root rot and Phytophthora root rot can also severely damage cherry trees. These fungi cause the roots of the tree to rot and die, and the tree can easily be taken down by a sudden cold snap. Monitor your cherry tree for signs of stress and discolored leaves to identify these diseases early.
How to Harvest Cherry Trees
Harvesting cherries is a great experience, allowing you to reap the rewards of your hard-worked cherry tree. Knowing when to pick and the right tools to use are essential for a successful harvest.
Cherries ripen when ready and usually, the cherries that are nearest the top of the tree tend to be the ripest. Having a pair of shears and a large bowl can make it easier to keep track of the fruits you’ve picked so far, as well as helping you to reach higher branches.
Timing is essential when harvesting cherries, as a cherry left on the tree for too long can harbor pests or diseases. Keep an eye on the color of the cherries and pick them just as soon as they’re ripe. Always pick cherries gently, and don’t let the stem break away from the cherry as this can affect the taste and the chances of having the cherry rot in storage.
Once picked, the cherries should be stored in the refrigerator either on their own or in a bag. Cherries are best eaten within a few days to a week of being harvested, so make sure to enjoy them before then.
Uses for Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are a popular choice of tree due to the sweet-tart flavor of their fruits. Whether used for desserts, jams and sauces, garnishes, or decor, cherry trees provide a bounty of benefits.
As a fresh fruit, cherries are often eaten raw or used to flavor salads and desserts. Dried cherries can also add flavor and texture to dishes, and make for a great snack on their own. Sour cherries are great for making sauces, jams, and jellies, and make a great addition to crumbles and tarts.
Decorative cherry trees are also popular for weddings and garden events, adding amazing color to the area. Sweet cherry blossoms are a very sought-after gift, as they signify love and care when given.
Finally, cherry trees have traditional and cultural value. Being one of the first trees to blossom in the spring, they’re often used to mark the end of winter, and to signify the start of a new life.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cherry Tree
Before committing to a cherry tree, consider a few key points that can help make the right choice. First, determine if space available is enough for only one cherry tree or enough for more than one.
Next, decide between sweet and sour cherries. The type of cherry to choose ultimately comes down to personal preference, but it’s important to pick the correct variety for your climate.
Finally, consider the wildlife that may be attracted to your tree and how to best manage them. Pests such as caterpillars and aphids, as well as birds and other animals, may feast on your tree and its fruit, so you may want to consider buying pest and bird netting or other deterrent systems to ensure your tree remains healthy.
Buying and caring for a cherry tree can be a great addition to any garden, provided it’s done properly. Knowing where to buy a cherry tree near me is just the first step, so take the time to research, reach out to local growers, and plan the layout of your cherry tree before taking the plunge into owning one.
