How do I keep my cherry tree happy - Ask Extension
Hi, I'm new to fruit trees, and earlier this spring I planted a Bing cherry tree (on New Root stock) that in my novice opinion is now leafing out a li...
Knowledgebase
How do I keep my cherry tree happy #745118
Asked April 19, 2021, 1:13 PM EDT
Hi, I'm new to fruit trees, and earlier this spring I planted a Bing cherry tree (on New Root stock) that in my novice opinion is now leafing out a little oddly - from the trunk. I'd like to know if I should cut these leaf/branch starts off, and if so, when.
Is it okay to just cut them off now (mid-Apr) with bypass pruners? Or should I wait until the branches grow out longer then prune (late-spr/sum)? Or wait until next winter when the tree is dormant to prune again at all?
It looks like it is leafing out normally from the "regular" branches, but I worry that I may have pruned one branch too many when I planted (in Feb) so now it's sending more energy into these undesirable (?) places. Or maybe this is something that happens anyways.
Either way, what's the best management practice for tending to a cherry tree in this situation? Please help, thanks!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
HI Audrey,
I would simply break off the growth that is on the trunk, unless you want branches that low (and I suspect you don't.) Further, if you are expecting cherries on your tree, you may be disappointed. Few cherries are self-fertile (meaning they can self fertilize.) Most fruiting trees require a different variety as a pollinator. It's hard to tell, but it's possible your cherry has different varieties grafted onto the same trunk (this is really common on espaliered fruit trees.) This would also explain the sprouting on the trunk.
OSU extension has some publications you may find instructive:
Thanks, Sara! That's helpful. I went outside and they popped off pretty easily! I guess I found it odd because I got a second type of cherry tree and a plum tree, and neither decided to branch from the trunk. That would be wild if there are three different varieties on the same trunk, it should be Bing on 'New Root', according to Portland Nursery (unless the branches are Bing and the trunk is New Root? And not the bottom graft/roots). I guess time will tell! The second cherry tree I purchased is a dwarf var. Carmine Jewel (on its own roots) that is said to be self-fertile and an appropriate pollinator for Bing. Hopefully in a few years I'll get some fruit. Thanks again! - And I appreciate the useful links.
Take care,
Audrey
