Brooks Sweet Cherry Tree

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Your Brooks Sweet Cherry needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily to develop high sugar content in the fruit. While it can survive in partial shade, you will see a significant drop in fruit production and the cherries will lack that signature deep red sweetness.
• Soil: These trees thrive in deep, well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If you have heavy clay, plant your tree on a slight mound or in a raised bed to prevent water from pooling around the roots and causing rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the root system settle into its new home. Once mature, the Brooks Cherry is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during fruit development can cause the cherries to split or crack. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings rather than light daily sprinkles to encourage roots to grow deep into the earth.

Pruning Tips

This tree produces fruit on "old wood" or spurs that are two years or older, so avoid aggressive hacking that removes all the previous year's growth. Prune in late winter while the tree is still dormant to open up the center of the canopy, which allows sunlight and air to reach the inner branches. This "open center" shape acts like a funnel for light, ensuring the fruit in the middle of the tree ripens at the same time as the fruit on the outside.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell to fuel the upcoming growing season. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth is very susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall health of your tree.