Facts on Growing Cherry Trees

Cherry tree in bloom.

Cherry trees provide beautiful blossoms in the spring and delicious fruit in the summer. With the proper care and know-how, you can enjoy the gifts of a cherry tree in your own backyard.

Geography

According to ThriftyFun.com, cherry trees can grow in most U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) zones. However, for the optimal conditions, tart cherry trees grow best in zones 4 through 9, while trees that bear sweet fruit thrive in zones 5 through 9.

Conditions

Cherry trees grow best in locations that get full sunlight. They need good air circulation for their leaves as well as well-drained soil rich with nutrients. According to ThriftyFun.com, cherry trees prefer a pH of 6.0 and 6.8, or slightly acidic soil.

Considerations

When harvesting cherries, be careful not to damage the spur, or the point where the fruit attaches to the tree. If you injure the spur, you may affect next year's fruit. Pests most commonly affect cherry trees in the spring and fall, so make sure you keep an eye out for infestation during those times of the year.

References

• Thrifty Fun: Growing Cherries