What are some best practices when planting a cherry tree? - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension (2024)

Question:

When is the best time to plant a cherry tree? Can a single tree be planted or does there need to be two trees planted relatively close to one another?

Answer:

Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant

Early spring is the time to plant cherry trees, once the ground is thawed but after the highest risk of frost has passed (though you may need to take special measures to protect saplings if a frost is predicted–your nursery should be able to give you information on thecold and frost hardiness of whichever trees you purchase). They can take some time to root and they leaf out early. Sweet cherry trees are each either male or female, so you would need to plantat least two (one male, one female) to ensure a fruit crop. Sour/tart cherries have both male and female flowers on the same individual and are self-pollinating, so you could plant just a single tree. For further reading, we recommend ourUMaine information page on tree fruitsand MOFGA’sguide on cherry trees.Both are excellent resources to help you plan your planting.