Planting Lapin Cherry Trees: Common Problems and Solutions

Lapin cherry trees are a popular fruit tree variety due to their high yield, easy maintenance, and delicious fruit. However, like any other fruit tree, the Lapin cherry tree can encounter problems during planting and growth. In this article, we will discuss the common problems that gardeners may face when planting Lapin cherry trees and their solutions.

Improper Soil Conditions

The Lapin cherry tree thrives in well-drained and deep soils. If the soil is too dense or has poor drainage, it can lead to the waterlogging of the tree roots, which can cause root rot and stunted growth. The tree requires a pH range of 6 to 7 to grow optimally, and anything outside of that range can affect the nutrient intake of the tree.

Solution: Before planting your Lapin cherry tree, assess the soil drainage and condition. If the soil is heavy, consider adding organic matter and sand to improve the aeration of the soil. Test the soil pH level to ensure it's within the optimal range. Add lime to increase the soil pH if it's too acidic, or sulfur if the soil is too alkaline.

Poor Light Exposure

The Lapin cherry tree requires full sunlight exposure for optimum growth and fruit production. Inadequate light exposure can cause the tree to produce fewer flowers and fruits, which can lead to smaller yields.

Solution: Choose a planting location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting the tree in shaded areas or close to structures that can obstruct sunlight. Prune any neighboring trees or bushes that can block sunlight from reaching the tree.

Insect and Pest Infestation

Lapin cherry trees are susceptible to pests and insect infestation. Common pests include cherry fruit fly, cherry slug, leafhoppers, and cherry bark tortrix. If not controlled, these pests can damage the tree leaves, fruits, and bark, which can weaken the tree and affect its growth.

Solution: Apply an insecticide early in the season when the tree is still dormant. You can also apply a sticky band around the trunk to trap any climbing pests like caterpillars. Always monitor the tree for any signs of infestation and treat the pests immediately to avoid further damage.

Overburdened Tree

Overburdening the Lapin cherry tree with too many fruits or branches can lead to weak limbs and a reduced yield. The weight of the fruits can cause the branches to bend or break, especially during high winds or heavy rains.

Solution: Prune the tree branches and fruits early in the season to control the size and spread of the tree. Thin out the fruits to space them so that they do not compete for nutrients, and weight down the branches. You can also add support to the branches to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruits.

Conclusion

Planting and maintaining the Lapin cherry tree doesn't come without challenges. However, with proper care and attention, you can ensure that your Lapin cherry tree thrives and produces good yields. The solutions we have discussed in this article should help you eliminate any problems that you may encounter during the growth of your Lapin cherry tree.