How Much Water Do Cherry Trees Need? A Complete Guide to Hydrating Your Cherries

With their showy spring blooms and sweet summertime fruit, cherry trees are a beloved addition to any landscape. However, keeping your cherries well-hydrated is key to enjoying this eye-catching tree to its fullest potential. Learning the right watering techniques and frequency for your climate is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cherry tree water requirements so you can grow strong, productive trees. From year one planting care to mature tree irrigation, read on for tips to hydrate your cherries perfectly.

Water Needs of Newly Planted Cherry Trees

Getting sufficient water during the first year is absolutely vital for establishing newly planted cherry trees. Follow these guidelines when caring for young trees:

• Water thoroughly immediately after planting new cherry trees. Apply 2-3 gallons directly over the root ball area.

• For the first week, water new trees deeply every 2-3 days to keep root balls moistened as they start growing into the native soil.

• During the second week after planting water deeply 2-3 times weekly depending on soil dryness.

• After the first 2 weeks, water newly planted cherries deeply once weekly for the remainder of the first growing season.

• Check soil moisture before watering and adjust frequency based on rainfall and temperature.

• Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around new trees to retain soil moisture between waterings.

With attentive watering the first year, you can set your cherry tree up for vigorous growth and development.

Water Requirements for Established Cherry Trees

Once your cherry trees are 1-2 years old, their water needs decrease significantly compared to the initial establishment phase. Follow these guidelines for mature trees:

• Water established cherry trees every 7-10 days in the absence of rain, applying 10-15 gallons per tree.

• Use a soaker hose or soft spray attachment and water slowly for 20-30 minutes to soak the entire root zone area thoroughly.

• Check soil moisture before watering. The top 6 inches should be slightly dry but not completely parched.

• Increase frequency during droughts, extreme heat or if leaves start to curl or wilt.

• Cherry trees typically need supplemental water from spring through fall when rainfall is minimal.

• Reduce watering frequency from late fall through winter when trees are dormant.

With proper soil preparation at planting and attentive watering when young, cherry trees are quite drought resilient once established.

How to Tell If Cherry Trees Need More Water

Keep an eye out for these signs that your cherry trees are thirsty and need a deep irrigation:

• Leaves start wilting or curling inward.

• Leaf color changes from green to dull green or yellowish.

• Fewer blossoms form or existing flowers wilt.

• Fruit is smaller than usual or ripens prematurely.

• Branches and twigs die back from the tips inward.

• Soil is dry more than 6 inches below the surface around the root zone.

• Trunk/branches shrink and the bark develops vertical cracks or splits.

Catching water needs early and providing a thorough hydration prevents long-term damage. Don’t wait until symptoms are severe.

Effects of Under Watering Cherry Trees

Insufficient water will take a toll on your cherry trees, leading to issues like:

• Reduced growth and smaller tree size.

• Loss of leaves and dieback of branches.

• Sparse or lack of blossoms, resulting in little to no fruit.

• Small, shriveled fruit that lacks flavor and juice.

• Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

• Weakened trees that can’t withstand winter cold.

• Potential death of the tree if drought conditions persist.

Don’t let your cherry trees suffer the effects of drought stress! Careful monitoring and attentive watering when needed keeps trees vigorous.

Signs You’re Over Watering Your Cherry Tree

It is possible to overdo it with water for cherry trees. Watch for these indicators:

• Standing puddles of water around the tree after irrigation.

• Surface roots turning dark brown or black.

• Mushrooms growing around the tree trunk.

• Lower leaves wilting or turning yellow first before upper leaves.

• Sudden leaf drop even with sufficient soil moisture.

• Iron chlorosis – new leaves turn yellow with green veins.

• Branches dying back starting from the bottom up.

• Oozing lesions on the trunk which signal fungal cankers.

• Tree declining despite adequate watering frequency.

While cherries don’t tolerate dry feet, they also don’t like soggy ones! Proper drainage prevents overwatering issues.

Effects of Over Watering Cherry Trees

Too much moisture leads to a host of problems that can seriously damage cherry trees:

• Root rot diseases that inhibit the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

• Increased susceptibility to fungal cankers that girdle branches and the trunk.

• Bark splitting, wood decay and secondary infections.

• Chlorosis, defoliation and reduced fruiting.

• Lackluster annual growth and dwarfing of the tree over time.

• Premature death of the cherry tree.

Learning when to say when with irrigation keeps your cherry trees happy. Err on the side of slightly drier conditions.

Tips for Watering Container Grown Cherry Trees

Growing cherry trees in pots comes with increased watering needs. Follow these guidelines:

• Check soil moisture daily. Water whenever the top 1-2 inches become dry.

• Apply water until it drains freely from the container bottom to fully saturate the root ball.

• Potting mixes dry out faster than in-ground soil, so trees need frequent irrigation.

• Increase watering frequency during periods of heat, wind or rapid growth.

• Consider using self-watering pots to automate the watering process.

With vigilance, you can maintain excellent moisture for potted cherry trees. Monitor closely and don’t let them dry out.

Watering Newly Planted vs Mature Cherry Trees

To summarize the difference in water needs:

• Newly planted cherry trees: Require frequent and thorough watering the first 2 weeks, then weekly deep watering the remainder of the first year. Moisture is crucial as roots establish.

• Mature established cherry trees: Only need occasional deep irrigation during the growing season if rainfall is insufficient. Monitor soil moisture but avoid overwatering.

The root system of a new cherry sapling is very limited and vulnerable until it grows into the surrounding soil, so regular water is vital. As trees mature, their extensive root systems can better withstand periods of drought.