
Leave enough wood for the formation of new fruit bud for next year’s crop.In cherries it is important to seal the cuts with Heal and seal immediately after cutting.Cut back to within ⅜ inches/1 cm from the main branch or trunk. Remove large branches that are unnecessary for the espalier training pattern you have chosen.It is best to prune espalier cherry trees in June, July or August.Remove suckers, any dead, diseased or damaged wood, and then remove branches growing in towards the trunk, or upwards near to vertical.

In general, when pruning cherry trees, try to make as few cuts as possible, removing a few complete branches in order to give the canopy an open structure.


When to prune a cherry tree? It is best to prune when harvesting has been completed, and so in June or July, depending on the climate of your location. Cherry tree size can also be controlled by growing in a pot at least 50 cm in diameter and 45 cm deep. Trimming cherry trees is important in keeping the tree to a manageable size so that it can be protected by nets during fruiting.
