How to Plant a Chokecherry Tree

Chokecherry trees are perfect if you want a low-maintenance addition to your landscape. These native North American trees thrive in barren and harsh habitats, making them an ideal choice for gardens that need a little bit of life. A chokecherry tree produces small, sour fruits that are excellent for making jams, jellies, and wines. If you want to plant a chokecherry tree, then read on and follow these simple steps.

1. Choose the Right Location

A chokecherry tree needs full sun exposure, so choose a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. These trees require well-drained soil, so avoid planting them on waterlogged grounds. The waterlogged soil can lead to fungal diseases and can ultimately kill the tree. You can plant it in late fall or early spring when the soil is workable.

2. Dig the Hole

Once you have selected the perfect location for your chokecherry tree, it's time to dig the hole. Start by digging a shallow hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball of the plant. The depth of the hole should be just deep enough to accommodate the root ball. The diameter of the hole is crucial in ensuring that the tree has enough room to grow and spread.

3. Prepare the Soil

Before planting the tree in the hole, mix compost or peat moss into the soil. Doing this will give the tree the nutrients it needs to grow strong roots. Also, make sure that the soil is loose and aerated to aid root establishment. Avoid planting the tree too deep or too shallow, aim to keep it at the same level in the hole as it was in the container.

4. Plant the Tree

Once you have the soil ready, position the chokecherry sapling at the center of the hole. Fill the hole back up with the soil, making sure to tamp it down carefully. Tamping down the soil removes gaps and air pockets that can cause the tree to settle and impairs the roots. After planting, water the tree thoroughly to help settle the soil, and then apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree.

5. Care for the Tree

Now that you've planted your chokecherry tree, it's time to care for it. These trees need regular watering, especially during their first growing season. Ensure that the soil is always slightly damp but not waterlogged. Water the tree deeply or up to two inches per week. Feed the tree once in spring with a slow-release fertilizer to help it grow and produce. Prune the dead, damaged, or diseased branches from the tree annually in late winter or early spring.

Conclusion

A chokecherry tree is an excellent addition to any landscape. With the right location, planting, and care, you can enjoy a fruit-bearing tree that is low-maintenance and will last for years to come. Follow the steps above, and you'll have a healthy, thriving chokecherry tree in no time.