Tips for Pruning Cherry Trees

If you are new to growing trees in your garden, you need some tips for pruning cherry trees. This is the most difficult part of tree care. You want to keep the shape and size of your tree, but you also want to do it safely. If you are not sure how to trim a cherry tree, this article will help you understand the best way to do it.

1. Decide the Type of Pruning

First, it is important to learn how to handle your tree in a way that it grows and develops properly. The type of pruning you do will depend on the type of tree. Graining is usually done when a tree is young and at the start its trunk is short. Cherry trees often have a thick trunk until they are mature. By the time the tree reaches its third year, the trunk is almost completely developed and is able to bear fruit. Grinding your tree when it is young, keeps it from growing out of control and causing problems with its surroundings.

2. Main Methods of Pruning

When pruning, you have two main methods to choose from.

2.1 First Method

The first is to use sharp pruning shears to prune away excessive amounts of growth on branches that are causing the tree to be unhealthy. Pruning back excessive growth on branches that are weak and close-blocked will affect overall growth and strength.

2.2 Second Method

On the other hand, when you prune weak branches, you are actually allowing new branches to grow in and strengthen the tree. This is a better way to maintain a healthy looking tree.

3. Never Prune the Trunk

Another important tip is to never prune the trunk of a tree in the same spot. The spots that are right for pruning vary depending on what type of tree you are growing. For example, a tree that is spreading out will require that you cut back the branches that are spreading out. This is the easiest way to trim the tree in one fell swoop, and will not negatively affect growth or health.

4. Pruning in more Significant Ways

A cherry tree that is close-bridged will need to be pruned in more significant ways than a wide-branched tree. Close-bridged branches will often need to be removed and replaced with higher up branches. You will also want to cut back any dead branches that may be nearby. By taking these small steps toward pruning the tree, you ensure that it will continue to grow in the way that is desired.

5. Pay Attention to Size of Pruning Cuts

One of the important Tips for Pruning Cherry Trees is to pay attention to the size of the pruning cuts. As stated before, cherry trees are more susceptible to disease when they are younger. You don’t want to cut them too small when they are young, since that can prevent them from growing to their full potential. While pruning tree branches, make sure you don’t cut too far above the canopy. Doing so can cause the branch to break off and fall, and you run the risk of killing the tree.

6. Pruning the Branches

When you’re done pruning your cherry trees, it’s important to either remove the whole branch or at least part of it. If you prune part of the branch, you will risk leaving a stub, which may prove to be a hazard in the future. It is best to leave prunes alone if you are unsure that they are healthy.

7. Leave Tree Bark Intact

For the best results, leave most of the tree’s bark intact. After pruning, you should brush the tree’s exterior to get rid of any leftover fibers. This helps keep future diseases from spreading, as well as prevent splinters from forming. When pruning, it is important that you cut at a 45 degree angle and use a sharp blade to eliminate any unhealthy branches. If you are unsure about what type of pruning to do, it would be better to seek the help of a tree care professional.

8. Conclusion

The tips for pruning cherry trees are necessary for many different reasons. These reasons include making sure that the tree remains healthy and does not become weak. Cherry trees are also pruned in order to improve the quality of their fruit. Cherry trees can be used in many different applications, including producing cherry juice and furniture. You can also make sure that your tree grows to a reasonable size and does not become overly crowded. No matter what the application is, it is important to follow the steps for pruning cherry trees in order to maintain a healthy tree and ensure its optimal productivity.