The Month to Prune Cherry Trees

Cherry trees are commonly pruned when dormant over the winter months.

Growers prune cherry trees to improve yields and increase the vigor of the plant. Removal of excess branches improves the amount of light and air reaching the remaining foliage thereby improving the yield of the tree. Performing the pruning at the proper time each year increases the effectiveness of the act and limits possible damage to the tree. The actual month of the pruning varies depending on local climate.

Dormant Season Pruning

Perform cherry tree pruning during the dormant months for the best results. This means after the tree has dropped its leaves and frost has halted season growth. Depending on the climate this could include the months of December through March. Depending on the number of trees, the amount of snow and the growers personal preferences the pruning can be done in the early winter or very early spring.

Delayed Dormant Pruning

The University of California, Davis suggests pruning the cherry trees when the leaf buds have started to swell but before the leaves have emerged. They refer to this as delayed-dormant pruning. The timing of this varies with the climate and the local weather conditions each year but will generally be in April or May in much of the United States. This offers the advantage of less snow in the field or garden and warmer working conditions for the grower. The disadvantage is a narrow time frame for completing the task. If the work is delayed the leaves may emerge, making it too late to prune for the season.

Summer Pruning

Summer pruning, defined as July and August by the UC Davis, reduced re-growth at the pruning site and resulted in shorter branches during the next growing season. In some situations where young trees show rapid growth patterns a summer pruning may produce a greater effect.

Other Situations

Remove broken or diseased branches anytime they are encountered without regard to season. The potential damage to the tree from a broken branch falling through other branches or the spread of disease outweighs any concern for the pruning season.

References

• Oregon State University Extension: Four Simple Steps to Pruning Cherry Trees; L.E. Long; 2007
• University of California Davis: Pruning; W.C. Micke et al; 1968