The Best Time to Prune Cherry Trees

Cherry trees are among the first to bloom in spring.

Cherry trees are stone fruit trees and hardier than some of their other fruit cousins. Like any fruit tree, though, cherries require consistent pruning to keep their growth healthy and their fruit production steady. Prune cherries at specific times to accomplish specific goals.

Dormancy

Prune fruit trees only when they're dormant in the winter. This keeps the tree from spending reserves trying to heal itself immediately.

Season

Cherry trees awake and begin to grow very early in the spring season, so it's important to accomplish heavy pruning in late winter. Prune just after the last frost of the season.

Tree Age

Cherry trees should be 3 to 5 years old before heavy pruning takes place. Younger trees have more trouble recovering from pruning and should receive training instead.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Training and Pruning Fruit Trees
• Flower Pot Heaven: Cherry Trees -- Hints on How to Grow and Plant Cherry Trees