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Each year we look forward to the beautiful, fragrant cherry blossoms which seem to scream, “spring has finally come!” However, if the previous year was extremely dry or drought-like, we may find our spring cherry blossom display lacking. Likewise, an extremely wet growing season can also cause significant problems with cherry trees. Cherry trees can be very particular about their watering needs; too much or too little water can have drastic effects on the tree. Continue reading to learn how to water a cherry tree.
Cherry trees are a beloved addition to any landscape with their beautiful spring blooms and sweet summertime fruit. However, keeping your cherry trees properly hydrated is key to enjoying them to their fullest potential. Learning the right watering techniques and frequency for your climate is crucial to growing strong productive cherry trees.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about cherry tree water requirements so you can keep your trees happy and healthy. From year one planting care to mature tree irrigation read on for tips to perfectly hydrate your cherries.
Water Needs of Newly Planted Cherry Trees
Getting sufficient water during the first year after planting is absolutely vital for establishing young cherry trees Here are some guidelines when caring for new trees
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Water thoroughly immediately after planting, applying 2-3 gallons directly over the root ball area. This helps settle the soil around the roots.
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For the first week, water new trees deeply every 2-3 days to keep root balls moistened as they start growing into the native soil.
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During the second week, water newly planted cherries deeply 2-3 times weekly depending on soil dryness.
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After the first 2 weeks, water young trees deeply once weekly for the remainder of the first growing season.
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Check soil moisture before watering and adjust frequency based on rainfall and temperature.
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Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around new trees to help retain soil moisture between waterings.
With attentive watering the first year, you can help your new cherry tree establish a healthy root system and set it up for vigorous growth.
Water Requirements for Established Cherry Trees
Once your cherry trees are 1-2 years old, their water needs decrease significantly compared to the initial establishment phase. Here are some tips for watering mature trees:
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Water established cherry trees every 7-10 days in the absence of rain, applying 10-15 gallons per tree.
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Use a soaker hose or soft spray attachment and water slowly for 20-30 minutes to soak the entire root zone area thoroughly.
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Check soil moisture before watering. The top 6 inches should be slightly dry but not completely parched.
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Increase watering frequency during droughts, extreme heat or if leaves start to curl or wilt.
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Cherry trees typically need supplemental irrigation from spring through fall when rainfall is minimal.
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Reduce watering frequency from late fall through winter when trees are dormant.
With proper soil preparation at planting and attentive watering when young, cherry trees are quite drought resilient once established.
How to Tell If Cherry Trees Need More Water
Watch for these signs that your cherry trees are getting thirsty and need a deep irrigation:
- Leaves start wilting or curling inward.
- Leaf color changes from green to dull green or yellowish.
- Fewer blossoms form or existing flowers wilt.
- Fruit is smaller than usual or ripens prematurely.
- Branches and twigs die back from the tips inward.
- Soil is dry more than 6 inches below the surface around the root zone.
Catching water needs early and providing a thorough hydration prevents long-term damage. Don’t wait until symptoms are severe before irrigating.
Effects of Under Watering Cherry Trees
Insufficient water will take a toll on your cherry trees, leading to issues like:
- Reduced growth and smaller tree size.
- Loss of leaves and dieback of branches.
- Sparse or lack of blossoms, resulting in little to no fruit.
- Small, shriveled fruit that lacks flavor and juice.
- Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Weakened trees that can’t withstand winter cold.
- Potential death of the tree if drought conditions persist.
Careful monitoring and attentive watering when needed keeps trees vigorous and avoids the effects of drought stress.
Signs You’re Over Watering Your Cherry Tree
It is possible to overdo it with water for cherry trees. Watch for these indicators:
- Standing puddles of water around the tree after irrigation.
- Surface roots turning dark brown or black.
- Mushrooms growing around the tree trunk.
- Lower leaves wilting or turning yellow first before upper leaves.
- Sudden leaf drop even with sufficient soil moisture.
Cherry trees don’t tolerate soggy soil any better than dry. Proper drainage prevents overwatering issues.
Effects of Over Watering Cherry Trees
Too much moisture leads to problems that can seriously damage cherry trees:
- Root rot diseases that inhibit the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- Increased susceptibility to fungal cankers that girdle branches and trunk.
- Bark splitting, wood decay and secondary infections.
- Chlorosis, defoliation and reduced fruiting.
- Lackluster annual growth and dwarfing of the tree over time.
- Premature death of the cherry tree.
Learning when to cut back on water keeps your cherry trees happy. Err on the side of slightly drier conditions.
Tips for Watering Container Grown Cherry Trees
Growing cherry trees in pots comes with increased watering needs. Follow these tips:
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Check soil moisture daily. Water whenever the top 1-2 inches become dry.
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Apply water until it drains freely from the container bottom to fully saturate the root ball.
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Potting mixes dry out faster than in-ground soil, so trees need frequent irrigation.
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Increase watering frequency during periods of heat, wind or rapid growth.
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Consider using self-watering pots to automate the process.
With vigilance, you can maintain excellent moisture for potted cherry trees. Monitor closely and don’t let them dry out completely.
Watering Newly Planted vs Mature Cherry Trees
To summarize the difference in water needs:
Newly planted cherry trees:
- Require frequent and thorough watering the first 2 weeks, then weekly deep watering the remainder of the first year. Moisture is crucial as roots establish.
Mature established cherry trees:
- Only need occasional deep irrigation during the growing season if rainfall is insufficient. Monitor soil moisture but avoid overwatering.
The limited root system of a new cherry sapling is vulnerable until it grows into the surrounding soil. As trees mature, their extensive roots better withstand periods of drought.
Learning proper watering techniques for both young and mature cherry trees is important to keep them thriving. Attentive irrigation when planted and as needed once established provides the moisture cherry trees need to grow their best. Avoid both under and overwatering for the healthiest trees. With this guide, you can confidently hydrate your cherry trees perfectly.
About Cherry Tree Irrigation
Cherry trees grow wild throughout much of the United States. In the wild, they easily establish in sandy-loam or even rocky soils but struggle in heavy clay soils. This is true for the home garden and orchards as well. Cherry trees require excellent draining soil to grow, blossom, and fruit properly. If soil is too dry or cherry trees experience drought stress, leaves can curl, wilt, and drop. Drought stress can also cause cherry trees to produce less blossoms and fruit or lead to stunted tree growth. On the other hand, waterlogged soils or over-irrigation can lead to all sorts of nasty fungal diseases and cankers. Too much water can also suffocate cherry tree roots, causing stunted trees that don’t bloom or set fruit and can ultimately lead to plant death. More cherry trees die from too much water than too little. That’s why learning more about cherry tree watering is so important.
How much water do fruit trees need? And when to stop watering?
FAQ
Can you overwater a cherry tree?
Cherries react poorly to overwatering, and your actions may have resulted in too much water at your tree’s roots.Oct 30, 2011
What does an overwatered cherry tree look like?
If you are overwatering your trees, the leaves may be a bit gummy or wilted, though they will still be brown. This is a harder problem to solve, because these leaves may not fall off the tree. Unfortunately, many people try to fix this problem by doing the exact opposite.
Which fruit tree needs the most water?
If you want a traditional fruit tree in your wet-soil home orchard, the best bet is the pear. Pears of all kinds tolerate heavy soil and even standing water from time to time. European and Asian types of pears (Pyrus communis, Pyrus pyrofolia) are the fruit trees that are most tolerant of wet soil conditions.
How many gallons of water does a fruit tree need?
A general guideline is to provide one gallon of water per square foot of tree per week during hot summer months, with reduced amounts in spring and fall.