Pruning Cherry Trees for Maximum Fruit Yield

One of the primary problems faced by gardeners when growing Cherry Trees is that they do not understand how to prune them properly. Pruning Cherry Trees plays an important role in ensuring proper growth and fruit production.

Before growing one, any gardener must fully understand how to prune a Cherry Tree properly. This way, you will have the healthiest, most vigorously fruiting, and aesthetically pleasing tree that’s easy to harvest!

Why Prune Your Cherry Tree?
When Do You Prune Cherry Trees?
Cherry Tree Pruning 101
Types of Pruning

Central Leader Pruning:
Open Center Pruning:
Shaping Your Cherry Tree
Suckers & Water Growth

Thinning Fruit

Reasons to Thin Fruit:
Proper Pruning Cuts Themselves
DIY Pruner Sanitizer Spray/Dip/Wipe
Other Pruning Methods
Happy Healthy Cherry Trees

Why Prune Your Cherry Tree?

Pruning has many reasons and benefits, but improper pruning can ruin a tree in short order.

The main reason for pruning is to encourage a strong framework, and healthy crops, and to open the canopy to air circulation and sunlight to combat fungal and insect issues.

Trimming and training your fruiting trees also create a lovely form since these flowering trees are highly ornamental in the edible landscape! You’ll enjoy easier harvesting, bigger and more delicious fruit, and a happier tree!

When Do You Prune Cherry Trees?

Pruning Cherry Trees should be done in the late winter, encouraging the plant to grow more during the growing season. Since the leaves of these deciduous trees are absent in the winter, it’s easier to take in the framework and see problems before they arise. You can take out one-third of the tree at a time when it is dormant while its energy remains unaffected.

Pruning Cherry trees during the summer will inhibit growth and should be done once the desired size has been reached. Remember, however, that pruning Cherry Trees too early in the winter may make the tree vulnerable to bacterial infections.

Late spring or summer pruning involves:

Thin water sprouts that arise from the trunk keep the center open - reducing disease
Removing small, malformed, or excess fruit (See Thinning Fruit)
Reducing branching where two emerge from the same node - weakening the tree
Suckers growing from the base and water growth - sap energy and strength

Late winter, before you see new spring growth, is the best time to prune for:

Any large limbs that need to be removed
Remove branches growing inside the framework that crowd or clutter the interior
Remove diseased, dead or damaged branches
Renewal pruning - removing old wood encourages new, revitalized growth
Remove water sprouts or water growth
Crossing branches or rubbing branches introduce injury or disease
Angle all cuts to an outward-facing bud in the direction you want the branch to grow

Cherry Tree Pruning 101

Before understanding how to prune a Cherry Tree (Prunus spp.), it is important to know how Cherry Trees grow.

Cherry Trees are usually grown as having a central trunk, known as the leader. All branches will sprout and grow out of this. A few varieties are bushy and can be grown as multi-trunked shrubs.
A properly pruned Cherry Tree should have a scaffold shape. This means that there are branches sprouting from the tree in every direction, perpendicular to the leader.
The first level of branches should begin between twenty-four to thirty-six inches above the surface of the soil. There should be an area of about two feet between each level to allow for sunlight and air circulation to reach the lower leaves and fruit.
Any branches not growing perpendicular from the central leader should be either weighted down or tied loosely with string to promote outward growth as opposed to vertical growth.
These outward-growing branches will produce more fruit and not focus only on producing new leafy growth.

Types of Pruning

Central Leader Pruning:

A strong central leader is what gives most trees their height and pyramidal shape. Removing competing leaders and pruning off water growth, and crossing branches will maintain the shape of your tree. Straight Trunks are a must for the strongest trees, so when you first receive your tree and get it planted, be sure to stake it so it grows straight and perpendicular to the ground.

Using a tree stake support kit will help a lot, especially if you live in an area with strong winds, storms, or heavy drifting snowfall. Then, after that first season of being staked and your tree is nice and straight, remove that stake.

Many fruit trees are given a leader cutting on a young tree to encourage new lateral growth and branches, preventing a young whip from becoming a tall, skinny single stem with no branching, and then re-train a single leader after the new growth at the top resumes. However, cutting the main leader on an older tree will dwarf or stunt your tree.

Open Center Pruning:

Pruning to open the center of the crown, also called vase form, allows sun and air circulation in the center of that crown, as it does help fruit production and lessens the chance of disease during the growing season with a few well-placed thinning cuts.

As part of a management system for heavier fruit sets, it may allow the tree to hold the weight of the fruit. It also makes it easier to harvest, and of course, as mentioned above, allows more sun and air circulation which possibly reduces the amount of disease susceptibility.

Shaping Your Cherry Tree

Shortening up new growth in summer can be used to keep your tree the size and shape you like best. Nip out crossing and inward-growing branches, and any that are growing into the canopy, angling all branches towards the outside of the tree. This means that branches are perpendicular to the leader.

There should be an area of about two feet between each level to allow for light to reach the interior and lower leaves and fruit. The first level of branches should begin between twenty-four to thirty-six inches above the surface of the soil.

Suckers & Water Growth

Keep any suckers that develop from the rootstock keeping the energy going into the crown, and remove all water growth (straight fast-growing shoots on the branches). Remove the branches that are too low to the ground, trimming off the bottom third of any lower stems flush with the trunk, and be careful not to cut into any collars that are forming at the base of each branch.

This pushes all the root’s energy pushing into the crown and ensures it doesn’t get redirected into useless non-fruiting growth.

Many Cherry trees are grafted onto hardy rootstock and sometimes when stressed, suckers can emerge from this root stock and sap energy from the scion.

Thinning Fruit

Sometimes a tree has a very good year. In fact, it can be too good. Called a ‘mast’ year, an excessive amount of fruit can be too heavy for branches. Also, by removing smaller, weaker fruit while they are forming, you’ll push more energy and nutrients into the fruit that remains, creating better flavor, larger fruit, and healthier trees.

Reasons to Thin Fruit:

Reduce limb breakage
Increase the size of the remaining fruit
Improve fruit color and quality
Leave enough energy in the tree for winter/next year’s flowers

Proper Pruning Cuts Themselves

Start with clean, sharp, and disinfected pruning shears. This reduces tearing and injury to the tree (and yourself) and the spreading of fungus and disease from tree to tree. Sanitize your shears between cuts to disinfect them.
Prune branches at a 45° angle just above a bud that is facing outwards.
Be sure you are not cutting into the ‘collar’ of the branch. This way you aren’t damaging the tree and introducing an area where disease or insects can slip beneath the bark.
Remove fallen branches, leaf litter, and any pruned branches to eliminate transmission of disease or call destructive insects.
Do not cut more than 1/3 of the length of that branch.

Pruning will give you the most beautiful, healthiest, and most productive tree, not to mention peak longevity for your investment! So sharpen those pruning shears and get going!

DIY Pruner Sanitizer Spray/Dip/Wipe

When pruning out diseased or healthy tree stems and branches, after each and every pruning cut, disinfect your tools by wiping, spraying down, or dipping them into a mixture of 1-part Chlorine Bleach and 9-parts water. You can also use a minimum of 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe, dip or spray on your tools to kill any possible cross-contamination between affected parts of the tree and healthy tissue.

Other Pruning Methods

High-Density Planting

High-density planting techniques allow even the smallest property or urban courtyard to accommodate these fruiting trees and their pollinator buddies. We even have a great YouTube video!

Espalier Pruning

For a unique space-saving pruning technique you can try with your young tree, try training it in Espalier form! A flat-trained ladder that won’t take up much room and adds a high-style specimen tree for your garden.

Happy Healthy Cherry Trees

Luscious fruit and gorgeous flowering specimens, the Cherry tree is a fantastic all-round landscaping tree that provides you and your family with delicious food sustainability!

For the best harvest of sweet juicy cherries, a bit of pruning each year is needed to enjoy the optimal health of your tree for years of jeweled crops!

Check out all the fantastic Cherry Trees available at Nature Hills Nursery!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prune a cherry tree for better fruit production?

Prune cherry trees in late winter before new spring growth emerges, as this is the best time to remove large limbs, crowded interior branches, and any diseased wood while the tree is dormant. You can safely remove up to one-third of the tree during dormancy without affecting its energy reserves. In summer, focus on thinning water sprouts, removing excess or malformed fruit, and eliminating competing branches at shared nodes to keep the canopy open to light and airflow. Always sanitize your pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of disease, and avoid pruning too early in winter when bacterial infections are more likely to take hold.

When is the best time of year to prune cherry trees?

The best time to prune cherry trees is in late winter, just before new spring growth begins, when the tree is still dormant. At this stage, the absence of leaves makes it easier to assess the tree's framework, and you can safely remove up to one-third of the tree without disrupting its energy reserves. Avoid pruning too early in winter, as this can leave the tree vulnerable to bacterial infections. For size control and light canopy maintenance, a secondary pruning in late spring or summer is appropriate once your tree has reached its desired size.

How do you prune a cherry tree that has grown too tall?

If your cherry tree has grown too tall, the best time to address this is in late winter before new spring growth begins, as this is when you can safely remove up to one-third of the tree without affecting its energy reserves. Use the open center pruning method to reduce height by cutting back the central leader and any upward-reaching branches to outward-facing lateral branches, which redirects growth horizontally and keeps the canopy within reach. Avoid removing more than one-third of the tree in a single season, as over-pruning stresses the tree and invites disease. If significant height reduction is needed, spread the work over two to three dormant seasons for the best results.

How do you shape a young cherry tree for a strong fruiting structure?

Shaping a young cherry tree begins in its first few years, focusing on establishing either a central leader or open center form depending on your variety and space. Sweet cherries respond well to a central leader with scaffold branches spaced 18 to 24 inches apart vertically, while sour cherries are better suited to an open center structure that allows light into the canopy. Prune in late winter before new growth emerges, removing any branches that cross, compete with the leader, or grow back toward the trunk. Select three to five evenly spaced, outward-facing scaffold branches in that first season and remove everything else to build a clean, strong framework from the start.

How do you trim a cherry tree without damaging it?

Prune cherry trees in late winter before new spring growth emerges, as this timing allows you to clearly see the tree's framework while it is dormant and minimizes the risk of bacterial infection that can occur with early winter cuts. Avoid removing more than one-third of the tree at a time, and always use clean, sanitized pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. In summer, limit pruning to light tasks like removing water sprouts and thinning excess fruit once the tree has reached your desired size. Start by identifying any crossing, crowded, or inward-growing branches and remove those first to open the canopy to air and light.

How often should you prune a cherry tree to keep it productive?

Cherry trees benefit from pruning twice a year to stay healthy and productive. Prune in late winter before new spring growth emerges to remove large limbs, crowded interior branches, and any diseased wood, as dormant trees can handle the removal of up to one-third of their growth without losing energy. Follow up with a lighter summer pruning once the tree reaches your desired size to thin water sprouts, remove excess fruit, and keep the canopy open to airflow and sunlight. Make both pruning sessions a regular part of your annual care routine to prevent disease buildup and ensure a strong, fruitful framework year after year.

Can you prune a cherry tree in summer or only during dormancy?

Cherry trees can be pruned in both summer and during dormancy, but each season serves a different purpose. Late winter pruning, before new spring growth emerges, is the best time for major work like removing large limbs, crowded interior branches, or diseased wood, and you can safely remove up to one-third of the tree at this time. Summer pruning is best reserved for lighter maintenance tasks such as thinning water sprouts, removing excess or malformed fruit, and cutting back branches where two emerge from the same node. Avoid pruning too early in winter when the tree is still vulnerable to bacterial infections, and save your heavy structural cuts for late winter to get the best results.

How do you prune an overgrown cherry tree and bring it back into shape?

To bring an overgrown cherry tree back into shape, begin in late winter before new spring growth emerges, as the bare framework makes it easier to assess the structure and remove problem limbs. Never remove more than one-third of the tree in a single season, as taking too much at once stresses the tree and invites disease. Focus first on cutting out any crossing, crowded, or inward-facing branches to open the canopy to light and airflow, then follow up in summer by removing water sprouts and any remaining weak or excessive growth. Work in stages over two to three seasons to fully restore the tree without compromising its health or fruit production.

Should you seal or treat cherry tree pruning cuts after trimming?

Generally, sealing pruning cuts on cherry trees is not recommended, as modern research shows that wound sealants can actually trap moisture and pathogens against the wood, promoting rot and disease rather than preventing it. Cherry trees are naturally susceptible to bacterial infections, so the best protection comes from making clean, precise cuts just outside the branch collar and pruning at the right time, which is late winter before new spring growth begins. Sanitize your pruning tools between cuts using a diluted bleach solution or rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading disease from branch to branch. Focus your efforts on proper timing and clean cuts rather than any aftermarket sealant product.

How do you prune a cherry tree differently depending on whether it is sweet or sour?

The source material does not provide specific guidance on pruning differences between sweet and sour cherry trees, so a fully accurate answer cannot be given based on this article alone. In general, both types benefit from late winter pruning before new spring growth emerges, with summer pruning used to control size once the desired shape is established. For tailored advice on your specific variety, contact the experts at Nature Hills Nursery at naturehills.com, who can help you develop the right pruning plan for your tree.

How to Prune Cherry Trees for Best Fruit Production!