Cherry Tree - When is the best time to prune?

Question

Hi...I just completed picking big, juicy and dark red cherries from my backyard tree. The tree is growing very fast and I would like to control it.
When is the best time for pruning? Some specialist says middle of winter and some in the summer. Which one is correct? What should I look for when pruning? Any recommendation would be great appreciate.
Thanks

Answer 1

Deciduous trees are usually pruned when leafless in winter. But if some branches are just too stupid looking or are bothering other plants or buildings, go ahead and do a little now.

Good luck :-)

Answer 2

Pruning any tree that goes dormant in the fall can be pruned in the late fall, first part of winter. There are some terrific sites on the net that you can peruse in regards to pruning. However, if your tree is matured you would be best to call in an arbourist. Just google fruit tree pruning and check out the more reputable sites. Just remember, never prune a tree while its actively growing. Spring and summer months are these times. Good luck!

Answer 3

Do your major pruning in the winter while the tree is dormant. But you can do some careful summer pruning, too. You can cut off any water sprouts (the long skinny straight branches that tend to grow straight up) and any root suckers (branches that spring directly off the roots out of the ground around your tree.) Some people do some light summer pruning to control the size of the tree, but I would keep it light, since the leaves are still photosynthesizing and bringing energy to the tree, and you want your tree strong and healthy to go into the stress of winter.

Answer 4

Deciduous trees like your Cherry should be pruned in late fall or in winter but before the tree leafs out in the spring, i.e. when the tree is dormant. Trimming a little bit in the summer shouldn't hurt the tree much but it can allow infections/bugs to injure the treee

Answer 5

it is best to prune the tree in the late fall, after the sap drops.drop crotching is the best method.you remove larger branches from the tree at the height you want the tree to be. leave smaller branches that are growing to the sides of the tree, this allows the tree to dedicate it's growth pattern to a wide canopy instead of getting taller.make sure the branches that you leave are at least one third the size of the ones you cut off or it may "shock"the tree.your tree might not produce fruit the following year, or it may only produce a small amount of fruit, but the year after that will be awsome.

Answer 6

Fall is the best time. You want to make sure you do not have branches that cross one another rubbing together or that go into the middle of it. All branches should be going up and out. Best to check out a book or go to a site that shows pictures of what it should look like or get your local extension agent or someone that knows these things to help you learn the correct way to do it. Takes a bit of practice but anyone with a decent eye for it can do it with not too much trouble.

Answer 7

i would love to have a cherry tree how did you start ? by a tree or seeds any advise i live in the san fer valley?

Answer 8

http://www.aboutcherrytrees.com/pruning_cherry_trees.shtml this will explain