How to Plant a Northstar Tart Cherry Tree

If you love tart cherry pies and jam, planting a Northstar tart cherry tree in your backyard is a great investment. These trees are self-pollinating, disease-resistant, and hardy enough to survive in colder climates. This guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to plant and care for your cherry tree.

Site Selection

The first step in planting a Northstar tart cherry tree is to find a suitable location. These trees require full sun and well-drained soil. Choose an area in your yard where the tree will get at least six hours of direct sunlight and where the soil doesn't stay soggy after rainfall.

It's also essential to consider the space requirements of a cherry tree. Northstar tart cherry trees grow to about 12 to 15 feet tall and wide. Make sure that there is enough room for the tree to grow and mature without crowding other plants or structures.

Soil Preparation

Before planting your Northstar tart cherry tree, you need to prepare the soil. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the planting site. Then, dig a hole that's twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your tree. If your soil is clayey or compacted, consider amending it with organic material like compost or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration.

Planting

Once you've prepared the soil, you can plant the Northstar tart cherry tree. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any tangled or circling roots. Place the root ball in the center of the hole and backfill the soil around it, gently tamping down as you go. Make sure that the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the container, with the root flare just above the soil level.

After you've planted the tree, water it deeply, and mulch the area around the base of the tree with about 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, like wood chips or shredded leaves. This helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Care and Maintenance

After planting your Northstar tart cherry tree, it's important to care for it properly to ensure its growth and productivity. Here are some tips:

Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during the first year of planting. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

Keep the area around the tree weed-free. Weeds compete with the tree for nutrients and water.

Fertilize the tree in early spring with an organic fertilizer that's high in nitrogen. Follow the package instructions for application rates.

Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. This helps improve the tree's airflow and fruit production.

Harvesting

The Northstar tart cherry tree typically begins to produce fruit in its third or fourth year of growth. The cherries are ready to harvest when they're fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Use a ladder or step stool to reach the high branches, and pick the cherries carefully to avoid damaging the fruit or the branches. Once harvested, the cherries can be used in pies, jams, and other delicious recipes.

Conclusion

Planting a Northstar tart cherry tree is a rewarding experience that yields delicious fruit for years to come. By following these planting and care instructions, you can ensure that your tree grows healthy and productive. So, get your hands dirty and start planting!