Cherry trees can grow in a wide variety of conditions, but generally prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture. The ideal conditions for cherry trees depend on the specific variety, whether the tree is grown for ornamental purposes or fruit production, and other environmental factors.
Sun Exposure
Most cherry tree varieties require full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. Full sun means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to reduced flowering and fruit yields.
Here are some key points about sun exposure for cherry trees:
- Plant cherry trees in locations with a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure daily.
- South or west facing sites are ideal for maximizing sun exposure.
- Avoid planting sites that are shaded for large portions of the day.
- Some ornamental cherry varieties like Kwanzan cherry can tolerate partial shade, but fruiting cherries need full sun.
- Ensure sun exposure is not blocked by other buildings, trees, or structures as the cherry tree grows.
Providing ample sun exposure helps cherry trees grow vigorously, produce abundant blossoms and fruit, develop rich foliage color, and avoid fungal disease problems associated with too much shade.
Soil Conditions
Cherry trees perform best in deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pH around 6.5-7.0. Here are some guidelines for optimal soil conditions:
- Loamy, sandy loam, or silt loam textures provide good drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients.
- Avoid planting in heavy clay soils that are slow to drain.
- Improve dense or compacted soil by tilling in 2-4 inches of compost before planting.
- Have soil tested to determine pH and modify as needed to reach ideal pH range.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture – avoid allowing soil to completely dry out or become waterlogged.
Preparing the site with enriched, well-drained soil encourages healthy root development and provides essential nutrients for growth. Amending and improving soil conditions before planting can get new cherry trees off to a vigorous start.
Ideal Soil pH for Cherry Trees
Cherry trees thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH around 6.5-7.0. Soil pH outside this range can lead to iron chlorosis or other nutrient deficiencies.
- Test soil pH before planting and adjust as needed.
- Lower pH with aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur applications.
- Raise pH by applying lime several weeks before planting.
- Recheck soil pH every 2-3 years and maintain ideal range.
Keeping soil pH in the optimal range ensures cherry trees can access all essential macro- and micronutrients from the soil.
Watering and Moisture
Cherry trees require supplemental watering, especially during the first year after planting and during drought conditions. Follow these guidelines for watering cherry trees:
- Water newly planted trees every 7-10 days during the first year, providing 15-20 gallons per tree.
- Established cherry trees need about 30-40 gallons of water per week during drought periods.
- Water slowly and deeply to promote deep root growth.
- Avoid frequent, light watering that saturates only the top few inches of soil.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target water to the root zone.
- Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry out before night.
Providing supplemental irrigation when rainfall is lacking helps prevent moisture stress and allows trees to grow and fruit properly. Monitoring soil moisture and watering appropriately encourages deep roots and drought tolerance.
Drainage
While needing adequate moisture, cherry trees are also sensitive to poor drainage or overly wet soil. Here are some tips for providing proper drainage:
- Select planting sites with good drainage and avoid low spots where water collects.
- Test drainage before planting by digging a hole and filling with water; water should dissipate within several hours.
- Improve drainage before planting by tilling in organic matter or installing drainage tile.
- Plant on raised beds or berms in areas with high water tables.
- Avoid heavy mulching around tree trunks which retains excess moisture.
Ensuring proper drainage prevents root rot and allows sufficient oxygen to reach the root zone. Cherry trees are quite adaptable but saturated soil is one condition they cannot tolerate.
Climate Conditions
Cherry trees need a minimum number of chill hours during winter dormancy followed by a frost-free growing season. Requirements vary somewhat by variety.
Chill Hours
Cherry trees require exposure to cold winter temperatures, measured in chill hours, to break dormancy and resume growth in spring. Chill hour requirements range from about 500-1200 hours below 45°F depending on variety.
- Sweet cherry varieties need 700-900 chill hours.
- Tart cherry cultivars like Montmorency require 800-1200 chill hours.
- Ornamental cherry trees tend to have lower chill requirements around 300-700 hours.
- Plant adapted low-chill varieties in warmer regions like the southeastern U.S.
Choose varieties suited to your climate’s winter chill period. Monitoring local winter temperatures can help determine appropriate cherry tree selections.
Frost Date and Growing Season
After meeting winter chill requirements, cherry trees need a sufficiently long frost-free growing season to bear fruit. Exposure to spring frosts can damage blossoms and reduce yields.
- Cherry trees bloom early and need at least 150-200 frost-free days after bloom.
- Pay close attention to average last frost date before planting.
- Site trees on slopes or high spots to promote cold air drainage away from blossoms.
- Orchard heaters, wind machines, and covering trees can prevent frost damage to flowers.
Selecting varieties suited to your climate and using frost protection methods allows fruiting cherry trees enough time to fully ripen cherries after bloom.
Ideal Pollination Conditions
Cherry trees are self-unfruitful and require cross-pollination from a compatible different variety. For proper pollination:
- Plant compatible pollinizer variety trees within 50 feet of main variety.
- Allow for overlapping bloom periods of pollinizer and main trees.
- Use multiple pollinizer trees for large orchards, spacing them throughout.
- Attract pollinating bees by avoiding insecticides during bloom.
Providing compatible pollinizer trees ensures cherry blossoms are adequately pollinated, leading to abundant fruit set.
Conclusion
While adaptable to various conditions, cherry trees thrive best in full sun exposure, fertile soil with good drainage, sufficient watering and chill hours, and appropriate pollination. Paying close attention to planting site, soil preparation, variety selection, and growing conditions allows both ornamental and fruiting cherry trees to flourish.