When to Plant Bare Root Cherry Tree

Cherry trees are a great addition to any home garden or orchard. They are easy to grow and produce delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen, or made into jams and pies. If you're looking to plant new cherry trees, it's important to know when to do it. Bare root cherry trees are particularly popular among gardeners because they are less expensive and easier to handle than container-grown trees. In this article, we'll discuss when to plant bare root cherry trees.

Season for Planting Bare Root Cherries

The ideal time to plant bare root cherry trees is during the dormant season, typically from late fall to early spring. The dormant season is the period when the trees are not actively growing, and it's the best time to transplant them without damaging their roots. Bare root cherry trees are usually available for purchase during the winter months.

It's important to plant bare root cherry trees as soon as possible after purchasing them. This will give the trees enough time to establish their roots before the growing season starts. Waiting too long to plant the trees might result in suboptimal growth and development.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Before planting bare root cherry trees, it's important to select a suitable site in your garden. Cherry trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They don't grow well in areas with excessive moisture or heavy clay soils.

You should also prepare the soil before planting the trees. The soil should be well-drained and rich in nutrients. If the soil in your garden is not suitable, you should add organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve its quality. You might also need to adjust the soil pH to make it more acidic or alkaline, depending on the type of cherry tree you're planting.

Planting Bare Root Cherries

Planting bare root cherry trees is a simple process. First, dig a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the tree's roots. Make sure the hole is wide enough to spread out the roots without crowding them. Then, add some organic fertilizer or compost to the bottom of the hole.

Next, place the tree in the hole, making sure the graft line is above the soil level. Gently spread out the roots and backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go to remove air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Finally, add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but avoid piling it up against the trunk.

Care and Maintenance

After planting bare root cherry trees, it's important to care for them properly to ensure their growth and development. Here are some tips for caring for bare root cherry trees:

Water the tree regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells.

Fertilize the tree once or twice a year with balanced fertilizer.

Prune the tree annually to maintain its shape and promote fruit production.

Protect the tree from pests and diseases by using appropriate pesticides and fungicides.

Harvest the fruit when it's ripe, and enjoy!

By following these simple tips, you can ensure healthy and productive cherry trees in your garden or orchard.

Conclusion

Bare root cherry trees are a popular choice among gardeners because they are less expensive and easier to handle than container-grown trees. The best time to plant bare root cherry trees is during the dormant season, typically from late fall to early spring. By selecting a suitable site, preparing the soil, and caring for the trees properly, you can enjoy delicious cherry fruit for years to come.