How Big Do Cherry Trees Grow?

Cherry trees come in a variety of sizes.

Environment, care and pests can all play a part in determining the full size of a cherry tree. In ideal circumstances, the tree will reach its full potential determined by the classification of the tree as a standard, semi-dwarf or dwarf tree.

Standard Sized Trees

Standard trees are not grafted and grow as seedlings from seed. Standard cherry trees can reach a mature height of 40 feet, according to the University of California Extension office.

Semi-dwarf Sized Trees

Medium-sized cherry trees are made by grafting standard tree scions or the upper part of the tree onto rootstock of smaller trees. This controls the growth. Semi-dwarf cherry trees reach about one-half to three-quarters of the standard tree height. Semi-dwarf cherries tend to be between 20 and 30 feet tall.

Dwarf Trees

Dwarf trees are also made by grafting scions onto smaller rootstock. Dwarf trees are usually less than 20 feet tall; some, like the White Fountain weeping cherry, only reach between 8 and 15 feet tall.

References

• University of California Cooperative Extension: Growing Tree Fruit at Home in the Eastern Sierra
• Washington State University Clark County Extension: Snow Fountains Weeping Cherry

Resources

• Purdue University Horticulture: Cherry Trees