Caring for Cherry Tree

Water young cherry trees regularly during their first two growing seasons, especially in dry spells between April and September. Once established, they tolerate moderate moisture and rarely need watering except during prolonged drought. Overwatering or poor drainage encourages root diseases and canker. Feed in late February or early March before bud break. Scatter a general-purpose granular fertiliser such as Growmore or blood, fish, and bone in a circle around the tree, staying 30 cm clear of the trunk, then water in. A mulch of well-rotted manure applied at the same time provides slow-release nutrients and suppresses weeds. Top up the mulch each spring but keep it away from the bark. Cherry trees are prone to several problems. Aphids cluster on new growth in spring; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them, or use an insecticidal soap if numbers are high. Birds will strip ripe fruit in June and July—netting is the only reliable defence, though it's impractical on large trees. Silver leaf disease and bacterial canker are the most serious threats; good hygiene, summer pruning, and prompt removal of infected wood are your best protection. Brown rot can affect fruit and blossom; pick up and bin fallen fruit to reduce spores. In autumn, rake up fallen leaves to limit overwintering of fungal diseases. Cherry trees are fully hardy in zones 4a–8b and need no winter protection. Check tree ties annually and loosen them as the trunk thickens to prevent girdling.