Don't Let The Name Fool You: You Should Never Grow Sweet Cherry Trees

Whether eating cherries raw or in desserts, salads, and drinks, people can't get enough of this delectable fruit. In one year alone, over 650 million pounds of cherries are produced in the U.S. If you want to keep the cherry bounty going, you may be tempted to grow your own tree. It can be thrilling to grow your own food, but there are a range of considerations to make before planting a fruit tree in your backyard. While sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium) might be your first choice, you should definitely rethink your decision. Sweet cherry trees are invasive in many parts of the U.S.

On the surface, sweet cherry trees would seem to be the perfect choice. A quick-grower, the tree can reach between 30 to 40 feet tall, though there are dwarf varieties that stay between 12 to 15 feet. White, fragrant flowers blossom from the tree in the spring, while its candy-like fruit ripens in the summer. Hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 3 through 8, sweet cherry trees can tolerate a variety of soils, except conditions that are overly damp. 

Unfortunately, their adaptability and rapid-growing habit is a major reason why these trees can develop into a massive headache for gardeners. If not properly managed, the tree can spread beyond its location, leaving native plants to compete for resources. If you want to add a cherry tree to your backyard, consider native alternatives such as black cherry (Prunus serotina) or chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). 

Native to regions in Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, sweet cherry trees were introduced to the U.S. during colonial times. In the wild, you can usually find these deciduous trees in forest, woodland areas, and fields. Preferring at least six hours of daily sunlight, sweet cherry trees do best in fertile, well-drained soil that receives plenty of water, though it does not like its roots to be waterlogged. Bees are attracted to the nectar and pollen in the flowers, and the cherries provide a delicious snack for mammals such as mice and squirrels, and birds such as blackbirds and song thrushes. 

Birds and squirrels play a big role in the spread of sweet cherry seeds to locations beyond the tree's designated cultivation area. Once it starts spreading, the trees can take over, forming dense groupings which can lead to a negative effect on biodiversity. If there are nearby native cherry trees, sweet cherry tree will hybridize with them. Their offspring will be not be able to bear fruit, and could eventually displace the trees that do.  

Currently, sweet cherry trees are invasive in Maryland, Washington, Michigan, and Virginia, amongst other states. Gardeners are advised to refrain from adding this tree to orchards or gardens,  since it can be hard to control its spread. With all this in mind, it's one of the trees you should avoid planting in your yard at all costs. If you do have a sweet cherry tree in you yard, consider cutting or girdling your tree to halt its spread, or using an herbicide to fully stop its growth. 

Don't fret if you're still set on growing your own cherry tree! There are plenty of native cherry tree options that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising the biodiversity of your environment. If you live on the east coast, consider the black cherry tree. This deciduous tree is one pollinators and birds can't get enough of thanks to its white blooms and dark red fruit. Native to states in Eastern and Southwestern U.S., as well as parts of Texas, black cherry trees can reach up to 50 or 60 feet in height. They thrive in USDA Hardiness zones 3 through 9, and prefer fertile soil with excellent drainage, and do well in areas with full sun to partial shade. 

Another wonderful pick would be chokecherry trees. Native to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kansas, chokecherries will work well in woodland gardens or as a shrub border. Growing up to 30 feet tall, and hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 2 through 10, their fruits are often used for jellies, jams, and wines. 

If you're on the west coast, a great alternative would be bitter cherry trees (Prunus emarginata). Native to regions such as Washington, Oregon, Utah, and New Mexico, bitter cherries thrive in USDA Hardiness zones 4 through 8. Height-wise, it can reach about 50 feet. While it's bloom season is between April and June, its cherries will ripen from July to September. Not surprisingly, due to its namesake, the fruit of this tree are bitter. Use your harvest to make jams, rather than eating them raw.