{"id":22424,"date":"2024-01-09T04:30:21","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T02:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=22424"},"modified":"2024-01-09T04:30:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-09T02:30:21","slug":"when-can-i-prune-my-cherry-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/when-can-i-prune-my-cherry-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"When Can I Prune My Cherry Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Basics<\/h2>\n

Cherry tree pruning is a maintenance practice that not only promotes the health and vigor of the tree, but can also shape the tree and ensure future annual harvests of sweet fruit. Pruning must be done with care, as timing and specific techniques can play a major role in determining the overall success of the cherry crop. Knowing when and how to prune is essential for anyone wanting to enjoy a healthy, abundant harvest.
\nPruning should not necessarily begin as soon as the tree is planted as the first rule of thumb is to prevent over pruning. An ideal pruning timeframe for cherry trees is from late winter to late spring. Pruning at this time of the year allows the development of flower buds and the strengthening of the tree prior to the heat of summer. Chopping off a large branch late in the spring can potentially set back flowering and fruiting by a full year due to the lack of energy the tree has to put forth. <\/p>\n

Pruning Young Trees<\/h2>\n

For smaller trees, pruning will begin with the planting hole. As the tree is placed into the hole, the roots should be spread out in the same way they were positioned in the nursery lifting container. Of course, any broken, dead or diseased branches should be removed from the younger tree at the time of planting. This process should be done with the use of sanitized or sterilized pruning tools, such as a clipper or saw. Any remaining pruning for the young tree should be light until the tree is mature.<\/p>\n

Pruning Mature Trees<\/h2>\n

When the tree has matured, pruning should be done to remove any branches that are wilted, dead, broken, or crossed over other branches. If a branch has a downward slope, that should also be considered for trimming. All pruning should be done with clean instruments in order to prevent any potential diseases. Additionally, pruning can be beneficial in order to increase air circulation, create an even canopy and expose the fruit to more direct sunlight. <\/p>\n

Specific Pruning Tips<\/h2>\n

When pruning a cherry tree, ensure that accurate measurements are taken to ensure that the proper length of branch remains after being trimmed. For example, the branch should remain at least 1\/3 of its original length in order to remain healthy. If severe pruning is necessary, it is important to only prune back to where the branches began growing out of the trunk or another healthy branch. Pruning too far back could expose the tree to potential diseases and weaken the branch itself. <\/p>\n

Maintaining Tree Health<\/h2>\n