The Best Time Of Year To Plant A Cherry Tree For The Best Fruit And Colorful Blooms

Whether you are planting sweet cherries (Prunus avium) or sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), the best time of year to plant a cherry tree in your yard is dependent on the weather in your region. In general, there are two times throughout the year when the ground is at the optimal softness and temperature to make sure your tree bears the best fruit: early spring and late fall. However, your location and the variety of your cherry trees can also impact the best time to plant. 

You'll want to make sure that you are planting after the last frost in the spring, but with enough time for the roots to take hold in the fall. For sweet cherries growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 7, that would normally be sometime in April (after the last frost) or October (before the first frost). For sour cherries growing in hardiness zones 4 to 6, the best time is generally between April and May or September and October. While there are different conditions to consider when planting sweet cherry trees versus tart cherry trees, once they are fully rooted in the ground the care for these trees is exactly the same. All cherry trees will need appropriate moisture, pruning, fertilizer, and protection from animals to produce the best fruit and colorful blooms.

It's often recommended to plant your cherry tree when the ground is soft and cool but still has a lot of moisture closer to the surface. Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, suggests planting trees when the soil consistently reaches temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above. If you plant in lower temperatures, you run the risk of your tree dying from frost or freezing roots. Planting in these conditions allows your tree to develop a strong root system without fighting harsh conditions and preventing transplant shock.

When deciding between spring and fall for planting, it ultimately comes down to climate and personal preference. There is some debate regarding which one is better, but the correct season for you will likely depend on the severity of the weather in your specific region. Planting in the fall allows the tree the time to establish the roots without diverting energy to other things like budding leaves or blooms. In the spring, however, roots can have plenty of time to take hold before the summer heat and without the risk of a sudden freeze.

Timing isn't the only thing to consider if you want to get beautiful blooms and year-round color. Placement matters too. All cherry tree varieties need plenty of sunlight and space. Refer to the recommendations for your tree to determine the exact amount of sunlight needed per day. Once your tree is established, you will also need to prune it regularly. The best time of year to prune your cherry trees is in the spring to ensure healthy growth.