Wild cherries produce small black fruits that are particularly popular with birds. Some gardeners love the slightly tart taste of these wild fruits. But such a tree can quickly lead to space problems if it is not kept under control.
When and how should wild cherries be cut?
Wild cherries should be pruned once a year either in spring (February to March) or immediately after the cherry harvest. Be careful not to remove too many branches and cut back to existing leaf buds to encourage he althy growth of the tree.
When is the right time?
In principle, wild cherries can be pruned both before budding and after the cherry harvest. During both appointments you should be careful not to remove too many branches. It is sufficient if you cut these native trees with wild character once a year.
Spring cut
Cherry trees can be easily pruned from February to March. It is important that the pruning is not carried out too intensively. During intensive interventions, fruit trees tend to produce excessive resin, which you can prevent with normal pruning intensity.
Summer cut
Pruning operations are no longer recommended from August onwards, as the tree stores energy for the winter at this time. Since wild cherries bloom in spring and ripen during the summer, pruning can take place relatively early immediately after harvest. There should still be enough leaves on the tree so that it can adequately compensate for the loss of leaves.
Disadvantages:
- pest pathogens are more active in summer, so cuts take away additional energy
- Cutting too late affects the storage of reserve materials
- can be fatal for old and weakened wild cherries
Growth
Wild cherries have stronger growth than ornamental cherries. They develop a wide, conical crown with numerous strong branches on which plenty of short shoots emerge. Umbelous inflorescences bloom on these between April and May and appear at the same time as the leaves. The long shoots have a terminal bud.
Cutting measures
Normally, wild cherries do not require pruning. Since they grow very quickly without care and reach heights of up to 20 meters, regular interventions are recommended. These must be carried out with caution. The tree proves to tolerate pruning well and also grows proliferated when the main shoot has been removed. However, the wild species usually no longer sprouts from old wood because there are no sleeping buds.
Basic rules
Cut wild cherries regularly after planting so that they develop a manageable size. In addition to the main shoot, select four leading branches for the crown structure. Old specimens that have developed a sprawling crown should only be shortened to a limited extent. Always cut back to existing leaf buds. If you remove branches completely, cut them off at the astring.
Tip
Wild cherries are the perfect base for refining cultivated forms. If you want to preserve parts of the wild species, you will need to cut this area more heavily.
Bonsai
Cherries produce flowers on the previous year's shoots, which is why you should only cut the artificial trees after they have bloomed. Branches that sprout remain standing until next year. When repotting, the roots are shortened so that a balanced relationship between root system and crown is created.