Cherry Tree Care Guide – How to Grow and Maintain Cherry Trees in NZ

Choosing the Right Type Of Cherry Tree

When it comes to Cherry trees, you'll find two main types: fruiting and non-fruiting. Non-fruiting cherry trees, also known as ornamental cherries, are grown primarily for their beautiful blossoms and make a stunning addition to any landscape. If you're looking to harvest cherries, opt for a sweet cherry tree variety, which produces the delicious fruit we all love.

Popular Fruiting Cherry Varieties in NZ

New Zealand's climate is generally favourable for growing cherry trees, as they thrive in areas with cold winters and warm summers. However, selecting a variety suited to your specific region is essential for success. For instance, some varieties are better suited to the North Island's milder climate, while others may perform better in the colder South Island. The following are all popular varieties that can be grown from Auckland and south.

• Cherry Stella: A self-fertile variety producing large, dark red, sweet cherries. It’s prized for its reliable fruit set and rich flavour, ideal for fresh eating.
• Cherry Lapins: Known for large, firm, and sweet fruit, Lapins is also self-fertile and has excellent resistance to cracking, making it a favourite among home gardeners.
• Cherry Bing: One of the most well-known sweet cherry varieties, Bing produces large, dark red cherries with a classic sweet taste. Requires a pollinator such as Stella or Lapins.

Planting Your Cherry Tree

Once you've chosen the right variety, it's time to plant your cherry tree. Follow these steps for a successful start:

• Choose a location with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Cherry trees need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
• You can add organic matter to the soil to improve fertility and soil health. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
• The best time to plant a cherry tree in New Zealand is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Position the tree, ensuring the graft union (the bulge on the trunk) is above the soil line. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
• Do not put any fertiliser in the hole at planting. Rather, spread fruit tree fertiliser on the soil surface in early spring.
• The tree should be staked for additional support.

When and How to Prune Cherry Trees

Pruning cherry trees correctly helps maintain healthy growth, improves airflow, reduces disease risk, and encourages better fruit production. Knowing the right timing and techniques is essential for successful pruning.

When to Prune Cherry Trees:

• The best time to prune cherry trees is in late winter or early spring, just before bud burst and the growing season begins. This timing helps the tree heal quickly and encourages vigorous new growth.
• Avoid heavy pruning in autumn as it can stimulate late growth that may be damaged by frost.

How to Prune Cherry Trees:

• Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Start by cutting out any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve tree health.
• Thin Out Crowded Branches: Thin the canopy to increase airflow and light penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Remove branches that cross or rub together.
• Shape the Tree: Maintain an open, vase-like shape with well-spaced scaffold branches to support fruit production and ease harvesting.
• Cut Back Water Sprouts and Suckers: Remove vigorous vertical shoots (water sprouts) and suckers from the base of the tree as they divert energy from fruiting branches.
• Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts, and prune to a healthy outward-facing bud to encourage outward growth.

Regular pruning keeps cherry trees productive, manageable, and healthy for years of delicious harvests.

Pruning Mature Cherry Trees

Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. The goal is to bring the tree under control again and you may need to make aggressive cuts with a chainsaw. This is okay and such cuts should be treated with pruning paint to reduce the likelihood of disease.

Cherry Tree Fertiliser

Feed your cherry tree with fruit tree fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer. This will provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth and fruit production. The fertiliser is simply scattered across the soil surface and then lightly watered in.

Cherry Tree Watering

Proper watering is essential for healthy cherry trees and a plentiful fruit harvest. Cherry trees prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil. Overwatering or waterlogged soil can cause root rot, while drought stress can reduce flowering and fruit development.

Watering Tips for Cherry Trees:

• Young Trees: Water newly planted cherry trees deeply once or twice a week during dry periods, especially in the first two years to help establish a strong root system.
• Established Trees: Mature cherry trees need watering during prolonged dry spells, approximately every 7–10 days, depending on soil type and weather conditions.
• Avoid Waterlogging: Ensure soil drains well to prevent standing water, which can harm roots and invite disease. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Seasonal Needs: Increase watering during flowering and fruit development stages to support growth and improve fruit size and quality. Reduce watering as the tree enters dormancy in autumn.

Regularly check soil moisture at root depth and adjust watering accordingly for optimal tree health and productivity.

Addressing Cherry Tree Pests and Diseases

Even with the best care, cherry trees can fall victim to pests and diseases. Here's how to protect your trees:

Common Pests

• Cherry Slug: These pests can skeletonize leaves. Control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Aphids: These small insects can cause leaf curling and stunt growth. Use insecticidal soap or water sprays to manage infestations.

Common Diseases

• Cherry Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes purple spots on leaves, leading to premature leaf drop. Remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide if necessary.
• Brown Rot: A fungal infection that affects blossoms, fruit, and branches. Remove and destroy infected parts and apply a suitable fungicide during wet weather.