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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 delight to grow in any garden In spring, they burst into bloom with beautiful white or pink flowers In summer, they produce sweet, juicy fruits that can be enjoyed fresh or used in pies, jams, juices and more.
But like all plants, cherry trees need proper care to thrive One of the most important factors is getting their watering needs right Providing the right amount of water at the right times is crucial for the health and productivity of cherry trees.
How Much Water Cherry Trees Need
The exact amount of water cherry trees need depends on several factors:
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Age of the tree: Young cherry trees need more frequent watering than mature, established trees.
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Type of cherry: Sweet cherry trees generally require more water than tart cherry varieties.
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Time of year: Cherry trees need the most water during spring growth and fruit development in summer. Less watering is needed in fall and winter when the trees are dormant.
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Climate and weather: Cherry trees in hot, dry climates need more water. Trees in humid areas or times of frequent rain require less irrigation.
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Soil type: Sandy soils dry out more quickly and need more frequent watering than loamy or clay soils which retain moisture better.
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Container vs in-ground: Potted cherry trees often need daily watering whereas in-ground trees are less thirsty.
As a general guideline, established mature cherry trees need about 1-2 inches of water per week in summer. But it’s always best to check soil moisture before watering rather than sticking to a fixed schedule.
Watering Newly Planted Cherry Trees
New young cherry trees are particularly vulnerable and need attentive watering the first year after planting.
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Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
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For the first 2 weeks, water daily for about 5 minutes with a trickle of water. This encourages deep root growth.
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After 2 weeks, water 2-3 times per week, supplying 10-15 gallons of water per session.
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For the remainder of the first year, water 1-2 times per week depending on soil dryness. Dig down 4-6 inches to check.
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Always water slowly and deeply, not just at the surface. This pushes roots to grow downwards.
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Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
Watering Established Cherry Trees
Once cherry trees are 2-3 years old, they are generally quite resilient and drought tolerant. Some key tips for watering established trees:
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Water only when top 4-6 inches of soil become dry. Check with a trowel before watering.
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Water slowly with a trickle or soaker hose for 20-30 minutes. This moistens a wider, deeper area compared to sprinklers.
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Provide about 15-25 gallons per session, soaking the entire area under the tree’s canopy.
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In very hot and dry climates, watering 2 times per week may be needed. But avoid overwatering!
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Time watering for early morning or evening to reduce evaporation loss.
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Rely on rainfall as much as possible. Supplement only during extended dry spells.
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Add mulch rings annually to reduce water needs and conserve soil moisture.
Signs Your Cherry Tree Needs More Water
It’s important to recognize visible symptoms that indicate your cherry tree is becoming thirsty and stressed:
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Leaves start drooping, curling or appearing wilted
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Canopy and leaf growth is stunted
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Leaves turn yellow or brown around the edges
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Branches and twigs snap easily instead of bending
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Fruit is small and underdeveloped
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Berries shrivel or drop prematurely
These are clear signs that watering needs to be increased immediately to prevent long term damage to the tree.
Effects of Underwatering Cherry Trees
Insufficient water is one of the most common issues for cherry trees. Underwatering over prolonged periods can have several detrimental effects:
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Weak growth and reduced flowering and fruit production.
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More susceptibility to diseases and pests.
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Stunted canopy growth and dieback of branches.
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Leaves drying out and dropping prematurely.
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Extreme wilt, leaf scorch and possible tree death.
Cherry trees stressed by underwatering take time to recover. It’s best to keep them consistently hydrated.
Dangers of Overwatering Cherry Trees
While cherry trees don’t tolerate drought, they are also sensitive to overwatering. Too much water can lead to:
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Root rot diseases like phytophthora and armillaria. These are often fatal.
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Fungal infections like leaf spot, powdery mildew and rust.
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Stunted growth and lower flowering and yields.
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Reduced fruit quality and flavor.
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Interior trunk rot leading to instability.
It’s much better to underwater occasionally than overwater frequently. Cherry tree roots need oxygen too!
How to Water Mature Cherry Trees
Watering large cherry trees already in the ground is best done by:
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Running a sprinkler or soaker hose for 20-30 minutes within the tree’s drip line.
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Letting a hose trickle slowly for an hour or more.
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Flooding the basin if the tree has a circular soil berm around it.
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Installing a drip irrigation system on a timer to automate watering.
Focus watering within the outer canopy where the majority of the feeder roots are located. Deep, infrequent soaking is ideal.
Tips for Watering Potted Cherry Trees
Container cherry trees have much higher water needs than in-ground trees:
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Check soil daily. Water whenever top inch becomes dry.
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Apply water until it drains from the bottom holes.
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Never allow pots to dry out completely. This damages roots.
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Place pots in drip trays to conserve moisture.
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Consider self-watering pots or drip irrigation systems.
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Bring trees under cover during heat waves.
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Use a moisture meter to determine exactly when to irrigate.
With frequent watering and monitoring, container cherry trees will flourish on a deck or patio.
Watering Cherry Trees in Winter
As cherry trees become dormant in fall, their water needs decrease dramatically:
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Reduce watering frequency after leaf drop in late fall.
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Only water if winter is unusually warm and dry to prevent desiccation.
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Water prior to the ground freezing to hydrate trees before winter.
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Resume normal watering in early spring after last frost has passed.
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Place mulch around the base to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Cherry trees are quite resilient to dry winter conditions once they are dormant.
Getting Cherry Tree Watering Right
Many gardeners struggle with determining the right watering regime for cherry trees. But by understanding their changing seasonal needs and environmental factors, you can keep your cherry trees hydrated and thriving.
Be attentive and vigilant, adapt to weather patterns, and don’t overwater. With the proper irrigation strategy, your cherry trees will reward you with abundant flowers and ripe, juicy cherries for years to come!
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.
Tips for Watering Cherry Trees
When planting a new cherry tree, it is important to understand cherry water needs to get the tree off to a good start. Prepare the site with soil amendments to ensure the soil drains well but will not be too dry. After planting, watering cherry trees properly their first year is extremely important. They should be watered the first week every other day, deeply; the second week they can be watered deeply two to three times; and after the second week, water cherry trees thoroughly once a week for the rest of the first season. Adjust watering as needed in times of drought or heavy rainfall. Keeping weeds pulled around the base of cherry trees will help ensure that the roots get the water, not the weeds. Putting mulch, like wood chips, around the cherry tree root zone will also help retain soil moisture. Established cherry trees rarely need to be watered. In your region, if you receive at least an inch (2.5 cm.) of rain every ten days, your cherry trees should be receiving adequate water. However, in times of drought, it is important to provide them with some extra water. The best way to do this is to place the hose end directly on the soil above the root zone, then let the water run at a slow trickle or light stream for about 20 minutes. Make sure all the soil around the root zone is thoroughly wet. You can also use a soaker hose. The slow stream of water gives the roots time to soak up the water and prevents wasted water from runoff. If drought persists, repeat this process every seven to ten days.
How much water do fruit trees need? And when to stop watering?
FAQ
How many gallons of water does a cherry tree need?
The typical three foot diameter planting hole would need 7 ½ to 10 gallons of water per week provided by rainfall or by the gardener. Apply this water once a week, two times per week if soil is fast draining. This will of course depend on your own conditions and the plants you are growing!
Can you over water 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.
Do cherry trees like wet or dry soil?
Soil. Cherry blossom trees can adapt to a variety of soil types, but they prefer moist, well-drained, loamy soil.Feb 5, 2025