How to Plant a Cherry Tree

You can expect your cherry tree to start bearing fruit about four years after planting.

Cherry trees are a beautiful and practical addition to any yard. Although they are relatively delicate and seldom live for more than 20 years, most people feel that they are well worth the extra care that they need because they are so beautiful and yield such tasty fruit. You can significantly prolong the life of your cherry tree while decreasing the amount of daily work that you must invest in it by planting it correctly. A little forethought and planning can go a long way toward making your tree healthier and more productive.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Fertilizer
• Weed whacker

Instructions

How to Plant a Cherry Tree

1. Select a site that gets plenty of sunlight. Cherry trees love sunlight. Avoid planting in a sunken area where the wind and sun cannot reach your tree.

2. 

   Make sure that the soil is moderately acidic and well drained. You may need to use fertilizer that is specially designed for cherry trees if your soil is naturally acidic. If you do not know what the pH of your soil is, take a sample to your local garden center and ask for help. Soil that is slightly elevated tends to drain better, so if you have any low hills or rises in your yard, this can be a good site for the cherry tree.

3. Avoid areas where cherry, peach or plum trees have grown before. These types of trees all need the same nutrients and the soil will not be as good for the tree.

4. Plant in early spring. Cherry trees should be placed in the ground as early in the spring as possible, but late enough that all risk of a frost has passed.

5. 

   Plant the tree in a clear area that gives it at least 20 feet on all sides. You may need to clear the area if there is a lot of brush on all sides. You can do this with a weed whacker or a hoe.

Tips & Warnings

• Cherry trees are very susceptible to a wild plant called Choke Cherry. If you are planting your tree in an area that has been recently cleared, make sure that you keep an eye out for this weed.