What cherry tree care should include in the fall: a guide from experienced gardeners

Cherry is an extremely hardy crop, resistant to low temperatures and other unfavorable conditions. However, proper care of the plant before the onset of frost is the key to a good harvest in the future.

We'll tell you in the article how to care for cherries in the fall, how to treat them against pests, and how to insulate the tree.

Features of caring for cherries in autumn

In autumn, cherry trees stop growing young shoots. But it is during this period of growth dormancy that future flower buds are born and lignification of the trunk occurs. In order for spring flowering to be successful, the plant’s energy reserves are replenished in advance with the help of fertilizers.

In the autumn, pests become active before hibernation. They successfully attach themselves to a tree trunk, spend the winter there, and wake up at temperatures above +15°C. Moreover, they can lay eggs in the tree, from which offspring will develop in the future. Effective methods of pest control are a thorough inspection of the trunk and its treatment with fungicides and insecticides.

As cold weather approaches, cherries need to insulate their roots - otherwise severe frosts may damage them.

How to properly care for cherries in autumn

It is impossible to get a high-quality harvest without caring for the tree. Most of the work is carried out in the fall.

Digging up the soil around

Sodding of the tree trunk circle has a negative effect on cherries.To avoid this, mulch the ground around the tree in the summer and dig it up in the fall.

Important! You cannot dig deeper than 15 cm, so as not to damage the roots of the tree.

Watering

After digging and loosening the soil around the tree, water the soil. At least 2 buckets of water are poured under each plant at a temperature higher than the outside air temperature at the time of watering.

The tree trunk area is limited by a trench to prevent water from spilling. Thus, moisture reaches the roots of the plant, which is especially important in winter, because wet soil freezes more slowly.

Top dressing

Fertilizer application supports the plant in the soil in autumn. Nitrogen is not added to cherry fertilizer, as it starts the growth process and reduces the plant's ability to withstand low temperatures.

Gardeners use compost (for young trees up to 7 years old - 2 kg per 1 m² of trunk circle, for older trees - 3 kg). The best combination is phosphorus + potassium. Non-fruit bearing trees - 2 tbsp. l. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. potassium chloride, fruit bearing - 3 tbsp. l. superphosphate and 1.5 tbsp. l. potassium chloride.

Trimming

Pruning increases yields and reduces the risk of disease. Pruning is carried out in two ways: by the thinning method - tree branches are cut off at the base, or by the shortening method - not the entire branch is cut off.

Prune before frost begins. Timing depends on the specific region: from September to November. The cut areas are treated with garden varnish.

Important! If the wounds that appeared on the trunk during sanitation do not have time to heal before winter, there is a risk that the tree will become sick.

Several branches of a plant are not removed in one procedure. This is stress for the plant, which contributes to the occurrence of diseases.

Whitewash

To prevent possible frostbite of the cherry trunk if sudden frosts occur, the trunks of young cherries are wrapped in burlap, spruce branches or newspapers. The bases of the trees are wrapped with plastic mesh, which protects them from rodents.

Mature trees are covered with whitewash. It protects cherry trunks from the negative effects of sunlight and frost, repels insects and small rodents.

Garbage collection

In the autumn, before and after pruning, debris is removed from the tree trunk circle. Dry branches and fallen leaves rot and negatively affect the quality of the soil. It is important to get rid of them in time so that pests and pathogens cannot overwinter in them.

Protection from diseases and pests

Important steps in treating wood against pests and diseases:

• processing cherries with urea;
• getting rid of fallen leaves around the tree;
• treatment of wounds and cracks on the trunk;
• applying garden varnish to pruning areas;
• pruning dry, diseased and broken branches;
• spraying the tree with drugs against garden pests, for example, copper sulfate or cypermethrin, which has a wide spectrum of action (cypermethrin is included in the preparations “Tsifoks”, “Mustang”, “Arriro”, “Inta-Vir”).

How to prepare a tree for winter

To prevent the buds on the cherry from freezing, and the roots and trunk from being damaged by temperature fluctuations, the tree is prepared for the winter as follows:

1. The branches bend down. Old and dry ones are removed.
2. Cover the pressed branches with straw or tops.
3. Cover the soil under the tree with a thick layer of snow if it has already fallen. Sometimes they shovel up the snow, creating a snowdrift.
4. Cover the barrel with a burlap cover or wrap it with paper.

Features of care

Care differs depending on the age of the cherry, the region where it is grown, and the type of fruit tree chosen.

Depending on age

Cherries up to 3 years old do not need to be fertilized with minerals, since they do not bear fruit yet. Old cherries are fed every year, as they spend a lot of energy on fruiting and use up all their reserves during the summer season.

Pruning of young trees in autumn is carried out extremely carefully. They are still weak, a large cutting will weaken and destroy the seedlings.

Depending on the region

Suitable regions for the growth and fruiting of cherries are Ukraine, Belarus, the south and central regions of Russia. Growing in the Urals, Siberia and the Far East involves choosing adapted varieties and specific care:

• in cold climates, the method of covering cherries is important, since not only the trunk of the plant freezes, but also the buds;
• bush cherries require that the bent branches be completely hidden by snow;
• in standard varieties, the trunk is insulated, protected from rodents and other pests;
• in Siberia, it is preferable to plant cherries from the pit, otherwise they will not take root;
• In the middle zone, cherries suffer from moniliosis; regular treatments before flowering with fungicides “Horus” or “Skor” are a mandatory stage of care.

Depending on the type

The types of cherry tree are also important when determining the method of care:

1. Steppe cherry is resistant to low temperatures. In winter, it is enough to bend the branches and cover them with snow. This cherry is self-sterile, so several more cherries are planted next to it. Strong root system, which is used for further propagation.
2. Sand cherry is native to North America. Cherry is not demanding on climate conditions; it loves bright places and permeable soil. Resistant to frost and drought.
3. The ferruginous cherry first appeared in Korea. Loves bright places. Severe frosts harm young shoots, so they require careful insulation and shelter.
4. Gray cherry is drought-resistant, but suffers greatly from frost. This cherry grows slowly. Loves bright sunny areas and well-drained soil.

Advice from experienced gardeners

Experienced gardeners recommend:

1. Do not buy trees secondhand and do not skimp on buying a seedling. The tree lives for a long time and will bear fruit for more than one year. It is better if it is a healthy plant to begin with.
2. Plant the tree close to fences for protection from the wind.
3. Choose a planting site with little moisture in the soil. Avoid over-watering.
4. Carry out basic gardening work 1-1.5 months before the first frost.
5. During autumn planting Spud the young specimen with soil to a height of 30-35 cm.
6. Before planting, place the cherry root system in a solution of humus and clay to improve survival rate.
7. Do not use fresh manure as fertilizer as it will burn the plant's roots.

This is interesting:

Why do gardeners love to grow Cherry potatoes so much?

A step-by-step guide to fermenting currant leaves for tea.

A selection of the best varieties of the most delicious winter-hardy pears for Siberia.

Conclusion

Following the rules for caring for cherries will allow you to grow a healthy tree with bright, juicy berries. Timely fertilizing, pruning, watering and insulation will increase the yield of the tree and prevent the appearance of pests and diseases.