Dreaming of a backyard brimming with sweet, juicy cherries? Or perhaps you’re envisioning a beautiful ornamental tree gracing your landscape? A common question that pops up for aspiring cherry tree growers is: ‘how big does a cherry tree get?’ It’s a crucial piece of information that can significantly impact your planting decisions, from choosing the right variety to planning its placement in your garden.
The answer, however, isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all. Cherry tree size is a fascinating blend of genetics, environmental factors, and horticultural practices. Understanding these elements will empower you to select the perfect cherry tree for your space and ensure it thrives for years to come, delivering bountiful harvests or stunning blooms.
Understanding Cherry Tree Dimensions: It’s Not Just About the Fruit!
When we talk about how big a cherry tree gets, we’re really discussing its potential height and spread. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about practical considerations like sunlight, root space, accessibility for harvesting and pruning, and even potential impact on nearby structures or other plants. The vast world of cherry trees offers a surprising range of sizes, from compact dwarf varieties perfect for small gardens to majestic standards that command attention.
We can broadly categorize cherry trees into a few key types based on their mature size:
- Dwarf Cherry Trees: These are the most compact, often reaching heights of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) with a similar spread. They are grafted onto dwarfing rootstock, which limits their vigor and ultimately their size.
- Semi-Dwarf Cherry Trees: Sitting in the middle ground, these trees typically grow to be 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) tall and wide. They offer a good balance of fruit production and manageability.
- Standard (Full-Size) Cherry Trees: These are the traditional, larger varieties that can reach impressive heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) or even more, with a substantial spread. They require more space but can be incredibly productive and majestic.
The Influence of Rootstock: The Secret Behind Cherry Tree Size
For many fruit trees, including cherries, the rootstock plays a pivotal role in determining the mature size of the tree. The rootstock is the lower part of the tree, including the roots, onto which the desired cherry variety (the scion) is grafted. Different rootstocks have varying degrees of vigor and dwarfing capabilities. Think of it as the ‘chassis’ that influences the ‘body’ of your cherry tree.
Here’s how rootstock impacts size:
- Dwarfing Rootstocks: These actively inhibit the tree’s growth, resulting in smaller, more manageable trees. Examples include ‘Gisela 3’ and ‘Colt’ (though Colt can also be considered semi-dwarfing depending on the scion).
- Semi-Dwarfing Rootstocks: These offer a moderate reduction in size compared to standard trees. ‘Gisela 5’ and ‘Mazzard’ (when used with certain scions) can fall into this category.
- Vigorous/Standard Rootstocks: These allow the tree to reach its full genetic potential in terms of size. ‘Mazzard’ is a common rootstock for standard sweet cherry trees.
When purchasing a cherry tree, always check the label or inquire about the rootstock. This information is crucial for understanding its expected mature dimensions.
Sweet Cherries vs. Sour Cherries: A Size Distinction?
While rootstock is the primary driver of size control, there can be some general tendencies between sweet and sour cherry varieties when grown on similar rootstocks. However, it’s important to remember that variety and rootstock are the dominant factors.
Sweet Cherry Trees (Prunus avium):
- Generally tend to be larger when grown on their own roots or vigorous rootstocks.
- Popular sweet cherry varieties like ‘Bing’, ‘Rainier’, and ‘Lapins’ can become quite substantial standard trees if not grafted onto dwarfing rootstock.
- When grafted onto dwarfing or semi-dwarfing rootstock, they can be kept much smaller, making them suitable for home gardens.
Sour Cherry Trees (Prunus cerasus): (See Also: How Much Does a Full Grown Palm Tree Cost? Your Ultimate)
- Often naturally a bit more shrub-like or smaller in stature than sweet cherries, even on their own roots.
- Varieties like ‘Montmorency’ and ‘Morello’ are commonly grown as smaller trees or even large shrubs.
- They are also readily available on dwarfing rootstocks, further enhancing their compact nature.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a smaller tree, a sour cherry might be a good starting point, especially if you’re not specifically focused on sweet varieties. However, don’t rule out sweet cherries; the right rootstock can make them perfectly manageable.
Ornamental Cherry Trees: Beauty in All Sizes
Beyond the fruit-bearing varieties, ornamental cherry trees are celebrated for their breathtaking spring blossoms. These trees also come in a wide array of sizes. Some, like the weeping cherry (‘Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’), have a distinctive cascading growth habit that can be trained to a specific height, while others are bred for compact growth.
Key Ornamental Cherry Types and Their Size Tendencies:
- Weeping Cherries: Their mature height is often determined by the height of the initial graft on the trunk. They can range from 6 feet (1.8 meters) to 20 feet (6 meters) or more, with a dramatic spread due to their pendulous branches.
- Upright and Spreading Ornamentals: Varieties like the ‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Yoshino’ can grow into substantial trees, reaching 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in height and width.
- Dwarf Ornamental Cherries: Just like their fruiting counterparts, some ornamental varieties are grafted onto dwarfing rootstock to create smaller, more garden-friendly specimens.
When choosing an ornamental cherry, consider its mature spread as much as its height. Those cascading branches can reach out quite a bit!
Factors Beyond Genetics and Rootstock: Environmental Influences
While the tree’s genetic makeup (variety) and its rootstock are the primary determinants of its potential size, several environmental factors can influence how a cherry tree actually grows:
1. Soil Quality and Drainage:
- Cherry trees thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, stunting the tree’s growth and overall health.
- Extremely poor or compacted soil can also restrict root development, limiting the tree’s ability to reach its full size.
2. Sunlight Exposure:
- Cherry trees need full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day) to grow vigorously and produce fruit or abundant blossoms.
- Shady conditions can lead to weaker growth, fewer flowers, and smaller fruit.
3. Climate and Growing Zone:
- While not directly impacting the *potential* size, a tree struggling in an unsuitable climate may not reach its full genetic potential.
- Extreme weather events, like severe droughts or harsh winters, can stress the tree and impact its growth rate.
4. Pruning Practices: (See Also: How Often to Water a Peach Tree? Your Ultimate Guide)
- Regular pruning is essential for managing the size and shape of any cherry tree. This is how we actively control how big a cherry tree gets in our garden.
- Pruning can be used to:
- Maintain a desired size and shape.
- Encourage fruit production (for fruiting varieties).
- Improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
- The type and frequency of pruning will directly influence the tree’s mature dimensions. For instance, a heavily pruned dwarf tree will remain smaller than an unpruned one.
5. Age of the Tree:
- Young trees are still growing and will gradually increase in size each year.
- A tree’s growth rate slows down as it approaches its mature size.
What to Expect: A Table of Typical Cherry Tree Sizes
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table summarizing the typical mature sizes of cherry trees based on their classification. Remember, these are general guidelines, and actual size can vary due to the factors discussed above.
| Tree Type | Typical Mature Height | Typical Mature Spread | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf Cherry Tree | 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) | 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) | Ideal for small gardens, containers, and espalier. Heavily reliant on dwarfing rootstock. |
| Semi-Dwarf Cherry Tree | 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) | 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) | Good balance for home orchards and larger gardens. Manageable for pruning and harvesting. |
| Standard (Full-Size) Cherry Tree | 20-30+ feet (6-9+ m) | 20-30+ feet (6-9+ m) | Requires ample space. Can be majestic but challenging to prune and harvest without equipment. Often grown on vigorous rootstock or own roots. |
| Ornamental Cherry (e.g., Weeping) | 6-20+ feet (1.8-6+ m) | 6-20+ feet (1.8-6+ m) | Height often determined by graft point. Spread can be significant due to branching habit. |
Choosing the Right Cherry Tree for Your Space
Now that you understand the factors influencing cherry tree size, you can make an informed decision. When you’re ready to plant, consider these questions:
- How much space do you have? Measure your available area, considering both height and spread, and also overhead clearance for power lines or buildings.
- What is your primary goal? Are you after fruit, ornamental beauty, or both?
- What is your commitment to pruning? Are you comfortable with regular pruning, or do you prefer a tree that requires minimal intervention?
- What is your soil like? Ensure your soil is well-draining.
For small gardens or containers: Opt for dwarf cherry trees or semi-dwarf varieties grafted onto dwarfing rootstock. You can even train them into specific shapes like espaliers against a wall.
For medium-sized gardens: Semi-dwarf trees offer a great compromise, providing good yields and manageable sizes.
For larger properties or a statement tree: Standard cherry trees can be spectacular, but ensure you have ample space and a plan for their eventual size.
For ornamental appeal: Explore the diverse range of ornamental cherries, keeping their mature spread and growth habit in mind.
Common Questions About Cherry Tree Size
Q: Can I keep a standard cherry tree small?
A: Yes, through consistent and rigorous pruning, you can manage the size of a standard tree, but it requires significant effort and knowledge. It’s generally more efficient to choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety if a smaller size is a priority. (See Also: How to Propagate Olive Tree: Grow Your Own Olives!)
Q: How long does it take for a cherry tree to reach its mature size?
A: This varies greatly depending on the rootstock and variety. Dwarf trees may reach their mature size within 5-10 years, while standard trees can take 10-20 years or more to reach their full potential.
Q: Do cherry trees spread underground as much as they spread above ground?
A: Yes, the root system of a cherry tree typically mirrors its canopy spread, and sometimes can even extend wider. This is an important consideration for planning planting locations, especially near foundations or underground utilities.
Q: Will my cherry tree produce fruit if it’s too small?
A: Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees are specifically bred to produce fruit when they are at a manageable size. In fact, they often produce fruit sooner than standard trees. However, proper pollination is still crucial for fruit set.
Q: Are there any cherry trees that stay very small, like a bush?
A: While not true ‘bushes’, some sour cherry varieties can have a more shrub-like growth habit. Additionally, dwarf varieties grafted onto very dwarfing rootstock can be kept quite compact with pruning, appearing more shrub-like than tree-like.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Cherry Tree’s Size
Understanding how big a cherry tree gets is fundamental to successful gardening. The size is a dynamic interplay between the tree’s variety, its rootstock, and its environment, all further guided by your pruning hands. Whether you dream of a compact fruit producer for a small yard or a grand ornamental specimen, careful selection and attentive care will ensure your cherry tree flourishes, delivering beauty and bounty for years to come.
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