How Far Apart to Plant Bing Cherry Trees

When it comes to planting cherry trees, it is important to give them enough space to grow and thrive. Bing cherry trees, in particular, are a popular choice for home gardeners due to their sweet and juicy fruit. But how far apart should you plant Bing cherry trees? Here’s what you need to know.

Consider the Growing Conditions

Before deciding on the spacing of your cherry trees, it is important to consider the growing conditions of your garden. Bing cherry trees require full sun and well-draining soil. They also prefer a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is not suitable, it may be necessary to amend it before planting your trees.

The Rule of Thumb

A general rule of thumb for planting cherry trees, including Bing cherry trees, is to space them about 20 to 25 feet apart. This will give the trees enough room to grow to their full size, which can range from 15 to 25 feet in height and spread. However, this spacing may vary depending on the rootstock used and the training system employed.

Rootstock and Training System

The rootstock used for your Bing cherry trees can impact their size and spacing requirements. For example, using a dwarfing rootstock can reduce the size of the tree, requiring less space between trees. Similarly, the training system you choose for your cherry trees can also affect their spacing needs.

For example, if you plan to use a central leader training system, which involves training the tree to have a central trunk with lateral branches, you will need more space than if you were using an open center training system, which involves allowing the tree to have multiple leaders.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when it comes to planting Bing cherry trees, it is important to take into account the growing conditions of your garden, the rootstock used, and the training system employed. While a spacing of 20 to 25 feet between trees is a good rule of thumb, it may vary depending on the unique circumstances of your garden. By giving your cherry trees enough space to grow, you can ensure that they produce an abundance of sweet and juicy fruit for years to come.