Step-by-step instructions on how to plant cherry trees in the fall

Cherry is a tree with a wide variety of cultivars. There are over 150 different species in total. Despite this, gardeners prefer the steppe and felt cherries. Both species have thrived in the central part of the country—for example, the steppe variety can often be seen in the Moscow region. They are also successfully grown in the Urals and Siberia. These are the most resilient cherry tree varieties. Pruning is most often carried out. planting cherries in autumn: Much depends on when and how to plant a tree so that it takes root and bears fruit year after year.

Autumn planting of cherries: its advantages and disadvantages

When should I plant cherry trees, in spring or fall? There's no definitive answer to this question, but spring saplings are susceptible to many dangers:

• recurrent frosts;
• strong winds;
• sudden changes in temperature.

Seedlings in autumn There are fewer dangers than in spring. Their root system is well established. They develop much faster than trees planted in spring. Furthermore, the long winter dormancy stimulates healing of injuries. The tree suffers minor injuries during transplantation into open ground.

During the winter dormancy period, cherry tree buds do not grow, but the root system actively develops underground. In the spring, when the buds begin to open, the powerful root system promotes active growth of green mass.

Before purchasing seedlings, you need to keep in mind the storage requirements in nurseries. If the nursery sells the materialA seedling intended for spring planting is dug up and stored throughout the winter. Despite proper storage, this method disrupts the natural development of the tree. The roots of the seedling or its structure may be damaged. This is difficult to determine by appearance.

In the fall, you have a better chance of buying seedlings with healthy roots. Planting cherry tree seedlings in the fall is simple: no additional work is required other than covering the trees for the winter. Rain will moisten the soil, and the root system will grow until the ground temperature drops steadily to -4°C.

When planting cherry trees in the fall, there are a number of disadvantages to consider. If temperatures are very low, the roots and above-ground parts of the seedlings may freeze. Heavy snowfall can also damage the seedlings, so ensure they are well-protected.

Preparing the site for planting

With proper planting and care, a cherry tree's lifespan ranges from 18 to 25 years. When choosing a planting site, consider several factors. Light is the most important. It's best to plant cherry trees on elevated ground. If the site has only gentle slopes, choose one facing south or southwest. The site should also be protected from cold winds and drafts.

The ideal soil for cherries is loam or sandy loam with a neutral to alkaline reaction. The groundwater table should be no more than 1.5 meters deep. If the site consists of acidic peat, such soil is unsuitable for cherries. The top 20 cm of soil should be replaced.

Before planting seedlings, the following fertilizers are added to the soil:

• 8 to 10 kg of manure or compost. Fresh manure can be added in the fall;
• 60 g superphosphate;
• 30 g of potassium chloride.

The quantity of components is indicated per 1 m2 of soil.

When preparing the planting hole, several nuances are taken into account. The hole must accommodate the tree's root system in its straightened form. The hole should be 45 cm deep and approximately 60 cm in diameter. The soil dug during the hole preparation is spread evenly around the sides. After planting, the soil is carefully filled in around the tree's roots.

Correct planting times

Cherry tree planting times vary depending on the climate in a given region. There are a few general guidelines that will help you grow healthy and strong trees:

• Cherries are planted 2-3 weeks before the first frost to allow the roots time to establish. If this rule is neglected, the roots will be weak due to constant freezing and thawing.
• In the Moscow region and other regions of the central zone, trees are planted after all the leaves have fallen. The planting season lasts until the second half of October;
• In the south, cherries are planted in early October. The planting season lasts until November 10-15.

An exception is also made for trees with low frost resistance. They are also planted in the spring. If the gardener missed the favorable autumn planting dates, planting is postponed until spring. The seedlings are stored in a trench, positioned at a 30-degree angle. The root system and root collar are covered with soil. The shoots should be bent to the ground and secured with a weight.

Selecting good seedlings

Many cherry varieties don't self-pollinate, so it's important to purchase three or four seedlings. They should be of different varieties. This way, they can pollinate each other, and the trees will bear fruit faster. Gardeners also practice mixing cherry varieties that can self-pollinate. This increases the yield significantly.

When choosing a seedling, you need to focus on the following indicators:

• the length of an annual plant is from 70 to 80 cm;
• the length of a two-year-old is from 110 to 120 cm;
• development of the root system - from 25 cm and above;
• whole, mature wood.

Avoid buying plants that are too tall. This is a sign of overfeeding with nitrogen fertilizers. Such trees can die in frost.

As mentioned earlier, there are own-rooted cherry varieties that can bear fruit without pollinators. However, grafted varieties begin fruiting earlier.

The landing process

Before planting, all seedlings are inspected. If their root system is damaged, it is carefully trimmed. Remove all foliage to prevent moisture evaporation. The roots should be moderately moist. If dry, soak them in cold water for 12 hours. Sometimes seedlings with dried stems are sold. Submerge them one-third in water and soak for 12 hours.

Three to four hours before planting, the roots can be soaked in heteroauxin. This is an organic growth stimulant that promotes good root establishment.

Here is a step-by-step guide for planting young cherry trees:

• install a stake pointing north (stick length - 2m);
• make a mound of nutrient mixture at the bottom of the hole;
• distribute the roots over the mound;
• cover the roots of the seedling with soil;
• compact the surface of the soil and the tree trunk circle;
• Water the closed seedling with warm water. For one tree, 2 to 3 liters will be enough.

The root collar should be left 3-5 cm above the topsoil. As the plant settles, it will gradually become level with the ground.

Further care of seedlings

Typical cherry diseases are:

• gum flow;
• freezing of flowers;
• rotting of the bark and root collar;
• early drying of shoots.

Planted trees require proper care. This will help avoid many unpleasant consequences.

Before the cold weather sets in, the area around the tree's trunk is mulched with sawdust or peat. Apply a 10 to 15 cm layer of mulch, after which the tree is carefully earthed up. The shoots should be tied to a stake. Soft materials are used for this purpose. After mulching and tying, the trunk is wrapped with spunbond and covered with garden netting. The structure is covered with several layers of spruce branches. This will ensure the cherry tree survives the winter safely and is not affected by frost.

To repel rodents, a special mixture is prepared. It consists of cow dung and clay. It is applied to the tree trunk. The mixture has an unpleasant and pungent odor, which discourages rodents from approaching the tree.

With the arrival of spring, the winter cover is removed. The cherry tree is completely unearthed and treated prophylactically against fungal spores. Spring pruning is also important: the main shoot and each branch are shortened by a third. Spring pruning regulates the correct balance between the root system and the above-ground elements of the cherry tree.

With proper planting, the cherry tree will become resistant to diseases and harsh climate conditions, and after some time will delight the gardener with large and sweet fruits.