black cherry

It is important to water Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) trees regularly. In general, it is recommended that they be watered about 2-3 times a week, especially during the warmer months. During dry spells, extra water may be needed, and during wet weather, you may need to reduce your watering frequency. When you water, make sure to get the entire root zone wet, including the top 12''-18'' of the soil. Water should be applied slowly so that it has time to soak in. Additionally, it is best to water in the early morning or late evening, so that the leaves have some time to dry before night.

Black cherry plants (Prunus serotina) grow best in areas with full sunlight for long periods of the day. This species of tree can tolerate some light shade and prefers full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day in spring, summer, and fall. In the winter months, the amount of sunlight needed by the black cherry plant can vary because of the shorter amount of daylight. The best advice is to plant the black cherry tree in an area where it receives morning sun followed by afternoon shade, if possible.

When pruning Black cherries, the best time of year is late winter or early spring when the trees are dormant and just before the buds swell. For young trees that are 3-5 years old, thinning is advisable since these are usually too dense and have weak branch structure. To do this, remove the weak, thin, crossing, and dead branches. For mature trees, moderate pruning to remove dead or broken branches, or where needed to improve structure, is beneficial. Prune dead and broken branches back to where the branch attaches to the trunk or a larger branch. Also, prune out branches with narrow crotches that are more likely to break off during a storm. Limit pruning of healthy branches to no more than 1-quarter of the canopy. This will keep the tree's natural shape while allowing light to penetrate throughout the canopy.