11 Nov 12 Tips for Growing Cherry Trees in North Texas

Cherry trees can bring vibrant beauty or even delicious cherries to your North Texas yard if you select the right variety and provide proper care.

Growing cherry trees in North Texas poses unique challenges due to summer heat and occasional droughts, but with the right approach, both fruiting and ornamental cherry trees can thrive.

Here are some essential tips for helping your cherry tree flourish in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, and beyond.

1. Choose the Right Cherry Tree for North Texas

Selecting the right variety is crucial for success in North Texas. Decide whether you’re looking for cherry fruit trees or ornamental cherry blossom trees:

• Cherry Fruit Trees: If you’re after fresh cherries, the Montmorency cherry tree is a hardy sour variety that thrives in North Texas, perfect for baking and preserves. The self-pollinating Stella cherry tree is another good option, producing sweet cherries ideal for snacking.
• Cherry Blossom Trees: For beauty without fruit, the Kwanzan cherry tree features stunning double-pink blooms in spring, while the Yoshino cherry tree brings delicate pale pink or white flowers. These ornamental varieties add elegance without the maintenance of fruit-bearing trees.

2. Plant Where There’s Full Sun with Afternoon Shade

Cherry trees need plenty of sunlight, but the intense afternoon heat in North Texas can be overwhelming. Aim to plant where the tree receives ample morning sun and light afternoon shade.

This balance protects the tree from excessive heat, allowing the leaves and roots to stay cool in the hottest months.

Ensure the location has well-drained soil, as cherry trees do not thrive in waterlogged areas.

3. Time Your Planting for Early Spring or Fall

Planting at the right time helps your cherry tree adapt to the Texas climate. Early spring and early fall are ideal, as they allow roots to establish before the summer heat or occasional winter chill.

When planting, dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, providing space for roots to grow outward and settle well.

4. Deep Water Regularly, Especially During Hot Weather

Texas summers can be intense, so regular, deep watering is essential for cherry trees. Water deeply once a week, encouraging roots to grow downward and increase drought resilience.

Young trees may need extra water during their first years, but established trees can manage short dry spells.

Adding mulch around the tree’s base helps retain moisture and shields the roots from extreme temperatures.

5. Add Mulch to Keep Soil Moist and Cool

Applying 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree (keeping it a few inches from the trunk) can do wonders in North Texas.

Mulch conserves soil moisture, reduces temperature fluctuations, and discourages weed growth.

This is particularly valuable for cherry trees, as Texas sun can quickly dry out the soil. Think of mulch as insulation for your tree, maintaining consistent moisture and temperature.

6. Fertilize in Spring for Strong Growth and Bloom

Cherry trees benefit from a little fertilization each spring. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, just as new leaves start to bud. This provides essential nutrients for growth and blooming.

Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can result in excessive foliage but fewer flowers or fruit.

7. Prune for Health and Air Circulation

Pruning is essential for cherry tree health, especially before new growth starts in late winter. For fruit trees, pruning helps with airflow, reducing the risk of diseases. For ornamental trees, pruning keeps the tree looking well-shaped and prevents overcrowded branches.

Trim away dead or congested branches to allow sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree.

8. Prepare for Stunning Spring Blooms

One of the biggest rewards of growing cherry trees is the spring blooms. In North Texas, cherry trees often blossom as winter fades, filling yards with vibrant pink or white flowers.

For ornamental trees like Kwanzan and Yoshino cherries, these blooms attract pollinators and add breathtaking beauty to any landscape.

9. Consider Grafting for Variety

If you’re interested in growing multiple types of cherries, grafting could be a fun option to explore. 

With grafting, you can enjoy different cherry varieties or even mix in other fruits like plums on a single tree. It’s an interesting way to make the most of a small space and bring some variety to your yard. 

Just remember that grafting takes a little practice and patience, but the result is definitely worth it.

10. Watch for Common Cherry Tree Problems

Cherry trees in North Texas can face issues, especially in humid weather. Keep an eye out for diseases like cherry leaf spot and brown rot, which can harm fruit-bearing trees. Pruning for good airflow and removing damaged leaves or fruit can help prevent these problems.

If necessary, organic fungicides are available to protect the tree while being gentle on the surrounding environment.

11.  Provide Adequate Space for Growth

To prevent overcrowding, plant cherry trees at least 15-20 feet from structures like fences or houses. This gives the tree enough space for roots to spread and branches to grow.

The added space improves air circulation, essential for reducing heat stress and disease risks, and makes yard maintenance easier in the long run.

12. Enjoy Your Tree’s Blooms and Harvest

With the right care, your cherry tree will reward you with seasonal beauty and, for fruit-bearing varieties, fresh cherries in early summer.

Sour cherries from the Montmorency tree are perfect for jams and pies, while Stella cherries are delicious for snacking.

Even if you choose an ornamental cherry tree, the blooms and pollinators they attract make these trees a valuable addition to any garden.

Best Cherry Tree Varieties for North Texas

Here’s a quick look at the cherry tree varieties that do well in North Texas:

Montmorency Cherry

The Montmorency cherry is a classic sour cherry variety renowned for its robust tartness, making it ideal for baking, preserves, and homemade cherry products.

It’s a hardy choice for North Texas gardeners because it can withstand the heat with proper care, producing a generous summer harvest.

Its compact size and reliable yields make it a top choice for those looking to add edible beauty to their gardens.

Stella Cherry

A deliciously sweet and self-pollinating cherry, the Stella cherry is perfect for gardeners who want fresh fruit without needing multiple trees. Stella cherries are excellent for snacking straight off the tree or adding sweetness to recipes.

While it does best with full sun, it benefits from some afternoon shade in North Texas’s hotter months, which can help enhance fruit production and overall health.

Kwanzan Cherry

The Kwanzan cherry tree is a purely ornamental variety, celebrated for its show-stopping double-pink blooms that appear each spring. Known for their full, layered blossoms, Kwanzan cherry trees bring vibrant color and charm to any garden.

They do not produce fruit, making them ideal for those who want low-maintenance, eye-catching beauty without the work of harvesting.

Yoshino Cherry

The Yoshino cherry is another popular ornamental variety known for its delicate, pale pink or white blossoms that add a light, airy touch to landscapes in early spring. Its flowers create a beautiful contrast against the fresh green foliage, offering a gentle but stunning effect.

With its graceful blooms and low fruit maintenance, the Yoshino cherry is an ideal choice for those seeking elegance and visual appeal in their yard.

Bring the Beauty of Cherry Trees to Your North Texas Yard

Cherry trees are a fantastic way to add seasonal beauty and, if you choose a fruiting variety, fresh, delicious cherries to your North Texas garden. With the right selection and a bit of care, you can look forward to vibrant blooms each spring and a bountiful harvest in early summer.

If you’re ready to enhance your yard with a cherry tree, we at Price Right Trees are here to support you every step of the way. Our professional services include tree trimming, tree health care, and tree planting to ensure your cherry tree grows strong and beautiful.

Reach out to us with any questions—we’d love to help your cherry tree thrive and make your garden flourish!