How to Prune a Mini Cherry Tree

Dwarf cherry trees are shorter and more compact than full-sized trees.

Miniature cherry trees, also called dwarf cherry trees, are used as additions to a garden in which there is not room for a full tree, or for their ease of care and growth. Dwarf cherry trees, like their larger counterparts, have a central branch called a leader branch, that acts as the trunk. All other branches are secondary branches and grow along the leader branch. Prune the cherry tree annually so the cherry tree remains healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening gloves
• Ladder
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Prune the cherry tree in the late winter or spring before the tree has begun to produce blossoms and leaves. Young trees require less pruning than older trees.

2. Cut all suckers and small shoots from the base and trunk of the tree. Suckers will sap nutrients from the rest of the tree and cause it to become susceptible to disease.

3. Trim branches along the leader branch, or trunk. Cut any branches that are unbalancing to the shape or structure of the tree, or that compete with the leader branch in size.

4. Remove any branches that have died over the winter, or that show signs of disease or damage.

5. Shape the miniature cherry tree. Cut the branches so that they form tiers from the leader branch. Leave about two feet of space between each tier to allow light to penetrate to all of the leaves.

References

• Oregon State University Extension: Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard
• National Gardening Association: Cherry Care and Harvesting

Resources

• About Cherry Trees: Pruning Cherry Trees