Cherry Tree fruit production - Ask Extension
Last year here in Fort Collins my cherry trees (Dwarf Northstar and Mont Morrissey) did not flower or fruit. This year they appear to be struggling ag...
Knowledgebase
Cherry Tree fruit production #865945
Asked April 25, 2024, 8:12 PM EDT
Last year here in Fort Collins my cherry trees (Dwarf Northstar and Mont Morrissey) did not flower or fruit. This year they appear to be struggling again. I know it might be a bit early but it there is something I can do now to help them along I'd appreciate the advice.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Jim,
Did the tree leaf out normally last year? I am wondering if the buds froze or if they failed to develop the previous year due to environmental or cultural issues.
How old are the trees? If they are younger, it often takes several years before they will flower and fruit because they need the time to get established. In general, cherries will start fruiting in years 4-6 following planting.
It could also be that they need to be pruned to rejuvenate blossoms. Cherries will mostly flower on fruiting spurs that are 2-3 years old. Regular pruning will be necessary to keep the trees in production. Here's a good fact sheet on pruning: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3151&context=extension_curall
Unfortunately, it's probably too late to prune this year - and it may not encourage blossoms. It's better to wait until the dormant season next year and start your pruning efforts. Many fruit trees need to be pruned "hard" every year to increase/maintain fruit production.
Did the tree leaf out normally last year? I am wondering if the buds froze or if they failed to develop the previous year due to environmental or cultural issues.
How old are the trees? If they are younger, it often takes several years before they will flower and fruit because they need the time to get established. In general, cherries will start fruiting in years 4-6 following planting.
It could also be that they need to be pruned to rejuvenate blossoms. Cherries will mostly flower on fruiting spurs that are 2-3 years old. Regular pruning will be necessary to keep the trees in production. Here's a good fact sheet on pruning: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3151&context=extension_curall
Unfortunately, it's probably too late to prune this year - and it may not encourage blossoms. It's better to wait until the dormant season next year and start your pruning efforts. Many fruit trees need to be pruned "hard" every year to increase/maintain fruit production.
