How to Grow Cherry Trees Like George Washington
Last updated: October 18, 2016
Are you familiar with the story of George Washington and the cherry tree?
Do you love fresh cherries?
As a Michigan native, I love cherries. I love cherry pie and eating fresh cherries. On this Presidents Day, we thought it would be fun to remember the story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree while sharing with you how to grow one of your own.
“I cannot tell a lie.”
The story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree when he was 6-years-old is a story of integrity. Although this story is a legend and he never did chop it down, he did plant and cultivate cherry trees in the gardens at his Mount Vernon estate.
How to Grow Cherry Trees
- Tart Cherries vs. Sweet Cherries
Depending on what kind of cherries you want will determine what type of tree you grow. If you are looking to grow a tree for perfect cherry pies, you will want to plant a tree with tart cherries. If you want to be able to eat fresh cherries off the tree, then choose a tree with sweet cherries. - Location
The next step is to choose the perfect location for your cherry tree. Make sure to plant the tree in a spot that receives approximately 6 hours of sunlight each day. While most soil will work for your cherry tree, Better Homes and Gardens recommends not to plant in soil that is too soggy. - Pollination
Many cherry trees may not be able to pollinate themselves, so you may need to get two different varieties to get your tree to produce fruit. Make sure to check with you local nursery when planting the tree. - Planting
Plant your cherry tree in the late fall or the early winter. This will ensure that the tree’s roots grow deep and strong before the summer comes. When planting more than one, plant the trees about 15 feet apart. - Watering
When you plant your cherry tree, make sure to install Rootwell Pro318s along with it. The Rootwell Pro318 is a scientifically proven aeration tubes that are a direct-to-root watering system that encourages root growth by providing oxygen, nutrients, and water at the root zone. They not only help to increase tree growth above ground, but the root growth below ground, too.
Summary
Are you planning on planting a cherry tree this year? Please let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Have a wonderful holiday to all of our U.S. friends!
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