Cherry Trees

Cherry's native range extends from Europe to Eastern Asia and even as far south as North Africa and has been cultivated since antiquity. Modern cherries are dived into essentially two categories: Prunus avium (Sweet Cherries) and Prunus cerasus (Tart Cherries). The two species are related but generally cannot pollinate with each other. Tart cherries also tend to be more cold hardy than sweet cherries. However, recent breeding and grafting techniques have introduced more cold hardy options for northern climates.

Bright, shiny, sweet, and absolutely delicious. Cherry trees are popular in pies, tarts, and ciders and add a sharply tart flavor to any dish. Cherries are native to Northern Africa and Turkey, the Cherry has been consumed since prehistoric times. Cherries are typically divided into two species: Sweet and Tart. Sweet Cherries tend to be a bit larger and are hardy to Zone 5 whereas Tart (or Pie Cherry) Cherries are smaller, more colorful, and hardy to Zone 4. One major advantage to Tart Cherries is that they are self fertile and do not require another cherry to pollinate.

Trees must be planted in well drained soil
6 hours of sunlight Full sun preferred
Stake all trees for the first 2 years
Tree guards should be used
Plant at least 2 Different apples trees for Cross Pollination
Pie cherries are self-fertile

We categorize our apple trees into at least five sizes: Petite, Maiden, Field Ready, Hand Select, and Container depending on the size of the tree. The Petite tree is our smallest graded tree less than 2 years in age; Maiden trees are usually 2 years old and are branchless. These are also called whips and will bear in 2-3 years. A Field Ready tree is 2-3 years old and might have some lateral branching, be thicker above the graft, and will bear in 1-2 years. The Hand Select trees are only about 20% of trees we have and are 3 year old trees, 6-9' tall and can be heavily branched. You can expect fruiting on a Hand Select tree in about a year.