bird cherry

Bird cherry (Prunus avium 'Thomas' STARK GOLD) requires regular watering, especially in the warmer months. Water the soil deeply and regularly. It is recommended to provide approximately 1 inch of water each week, either using drip irrigation or hand watering. If the soil dries out, increase the frequency as needed. The soil should never be overly wet. Water in the morning or early evening to help minimize evaporation. In cold weather, reduce watering as bird cherry needs far less moisture during its period of dormancy.

Bird cherry (Prunus avium 'Thomas' STARK GOLD) requires full sunlight to achieve optimal growth and development. A minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is best for the plant, ideally during the late morning and throughout mid-afternoon hours. Giving the plant access to the afternoon sun will help it keep its foliage healthy and vigorous. It is important to keep in mind that too much direct sunlight can be damaging for this species as it is a less hardy variety. Too much sun can cause the leaves to burn, and potentially stunt its growth. For successful cultivation, it is important to make sure that the bird cherry receives direct sunlight for the right amount of time each day. During the winter months when the sun is weaker, the plant will require more hours of sunlight to ensure proper growth and health.

Because of its vigorous growth potential, Bird Cherry should be aggressively pruned twice a year. For best results, prune in late winter (after the last frost but before new growth begins in the spring) and midsummer (once the majority of the new growth has finished). In winter, prune 1/4 to 1/3 of the previous season’s growth. This will encourage lateral branching, which will create a wider plant canopy.In midsummer, prune out any dead or crossing branches, and selectively reduce the new growth to achieve a more desired shape. When pruning, be sure to avoid creating large wounds, as the plant may not heal properly due to its tendency to be prone to disease. After pruning, apply a recommended fungicide to discourage any future fungal or bacterial infections.