The growth of cherry trees is not random and directionless. Growth rate and direction of growth of the shoots are determined on the one hand by the inner drive of the tree and on the other hand by external influences.
Basics of growth
From the outside, the growth of a cherry tree is influenced by light, temperature, soil, nutrient supply and pruning measures. The internal growth stimulus is predetermined by the rootstock used (root part of the tree), which is responsible for how tall the cherry tree grows. The rootstocks can be strong, medium or slow-growing. Accordingly, a distinction is made between
- half tribes
- high stems and
- bushes.
The shoot and crown growth specified by the rootstock can be controlled by the targeted training pruning. Although you will not be able to transform a standard tree into a bush by pruning it back, you can use it to adjust the height and crown circumference of your cherry tree to the conditions of the existing garden space.
slow down growth
By pruning the cherry trees after the harvest in August/September, the vigorous cherry tree is prevented from further growth. At the same time, this promotes the fertility of the tree. This measure makes sense for young cherry trees that are already very strong-growing.
promote growth
On the other hand, if you want to encourage the growth of an old tree, you cut it in the winter months, from November to February. This causes the cherry to sprout very strongly in the coming growing season. This measure is to be used to rejuvenate an aging cherry tree.
tips and tricks
According to a broadcast on n-tv knowledge, a rapidly growing cherry tree puzzled Japanese scientists a few years ago. The tree grew from a core that traveled around eight months in space with an International Space Station. Then the core was planted and the tree grew four meters high within five years and then bore the first blossoms.