How often you water cherry trees depends on the tree's age, the season, and your soil type. Young trees need water two to three times per week during their first month. Older trees do fine with deep soaking once a week in summer.
A good cherry tree watering schedule changes through the year and as your tree grows. I overwatered my first cherry tree and the leaves turned yellow by midsummer. The roots sat in soggy soil and started to rot even though I meant well. My second tree got too little water and the leaves curled up tight during a hot spell. Finding the balance took some trial and error.
Cherry tree roots spread wide and stay near the surface in the top 18-24 inches (45-60 centimeters) of soil. This upper root zone dries out fast in hot weather but also drowns fast in wet soil. Deep watering once or twice a week trains roots to grow down seeking moisture instead of staying at the surface.
Frequent light watering creates weak surface roots. The top inch of soil dries in a day or two so these roots always want more water. Those roots then cook in summer heat or freeze in winter cold. Give your tree a good soak and then let the soil dry down a few inches before you water again.
How much water cherry trees need varies by their size and the weather. New plantings need 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) of water per week through their whole first year. Apply this in one or two deep sessions rather than small daily drinks. A soaker hose or drip ring around the drip line works better than a sprinkler.
Check soil moisture at 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) deep to know when your tree needs water. Push a finger or a wooden dowel into the ground near the drip line. Dry soil at that depth means it's time to water. Damp soil means wait another day or two before checking again.
Cut back on water as fruit starts to ripen on your tree. Excess water during the last two weeks before harvest causes cherries to split and crack. The fruit takes up water faster than the skin can stretch and the pressure pops them open. A little dryness stress right before picking gives you cleaner fruit.
Watering young cherry trees through their first few years sets them up for life. A tree with deep roots by year three rarely needs extra water except during droughts. I water my established trees only when we go more than two weeks without rain in summer. They handle the dry spells fine because I trained their roots deep early on.
Winter watering matters in dry climates. Roots stay active even when the tree looks dormant and they need moisture to survive until spring. Water once a month during dry winters when the ground thaws enough to soak in. Skip this if you get regular winter rain or snow.
Pay attention to your tree and it will show you what it needs. Wilting leaves in the morning mean water now. Wilting in hot afternoon sun is normal and the tree will recover by evening. Yellow leaves on a tree you water often mean you're giving too much. Adjust your schedule based on what you see and your cherry trees will thrive.
Read the full article: Growing Cherry Trees From Seed or Sapling
