A standard tree shape has its origins in agricultural fruit cultivation and does not fit into every garden. No wonder, because a standard tree is a tree whose crown begins at a trunk height of at least 180 cm.
What is a cherry tree standard and where does it fit?
A cherry tree standard trunk is a tree in which the crown begins at a trunk height of at least 180 cm. It requires a larger area (50-70 square meters), longer cultivation time and is ideal for orchards, commercial fruit growing or parks. In the home garden you should pay attention to the distance to neighboring properties and the formation of shade.
Tree shapes
The cherry trees are called
- Tall trunks with a trunk height of approx. 180 cm,
- Half trunks with a trunk height of approx. 120 cm or
- Bush trees with a trunk height of approx. 60 cm
sold. In addition, many cherry tree varieties are now available as columnar or dwarf trees. The trunk height is measured up to the base of the crown, the crown is added to this.
Garden owners often opt for bushes or half-trunks that impress with their relatively compact growth and faster yield. The standard strains require a longer period of cultivation, cost correspondingly more and produce the best yields between the ages of 20 and 40. In addition, the tall trunks can grow to 20 m or higher.
What to consider when planting a standard tree
In a home garden you will plant a standard cherry tree in a single position. In any case, the distance to the neighboring property, to a fence or to the balcony or terrace must be taken into account, as the cherry tree will cast a considerable shadow when fully grown. In addition, over time, the roots become so powerful that they can penetrate garden paths, rainwater containers in the ground, etc. can affect.
The standard trunks are grafted onto strong-growing seedling bases with a large root body. In the first few years after planting in the final location, it is important to build up the crown through vigorous pruning. Later, the vigor decreases the longer the trunk becomes and pruning can be limited to thinning and removing diseased or damaged branches.
Tips & Tricks
The fully grown tall stems take up an area of around 50-70 square meters, depending on the variety. For this reason, but also because the large cherry trees are difficult to care for and harvest, they are suitable for an orchard, for commercial fruit growing or for parks.
