Cherry tree care

[Jonathanm]

Hello could anyone advise on what to do with our tree. We have a Now 3 year old tree in pot from purchase, repotted into large container after we got home. It is going to be planted into the raised border at some stage. 
2 questions 

1. we have apparently dead branches and tips(photos) what do we do and if prune, when. Is this likely to continue up and more branches die.

2. When should we transfer from pot to the garden and any other tips would be handy

thanks in advance

[Gary Prentice]

Possibly a root problem. If it's been adequately watered The next question is. Was it pot bound when you moved it to a bigger pot? I.e. were there roots circling the edge of the rootmass. If there was it's difficult for new root growth to get established and take advantage of the new compost outside of the original soil - the roots want to mostly continue to follow their original direction.

 

Try to lift the out of the pot to check whether there are new roots at around the edges. Do it carefully to prevent damaging the new roots - they new roots should be visible and are generally white. If there is no roots present crumble away the new soil back to the original soil and gently untease and loosen encircling roots outwards so that they'll be in the new compost when you put it into the pot again. 

 

Regarding watering, lots of people underestimate the amount of water plants need in pots. Particularly during dry spells of a few days or more. Trees are transpiring, a lot, water is lost through the compost through evaporation and the there is a limited soil volume in the first place. They may need watering two or three times a day at times, depending on where the trees are situated. You should find that moving the tree into the shade on hot days reduces the watering needs a bit.

[Khriss]

Possibly over watering will have same effect. Smell for a sewer odour.  K

[Jonathanm]

Thank you guys, should I prune the dead branches? And if so close to trunk or a node?

[Gary Prentice]

32 minutes ago, Jonathanm said:

Thank you guys, should I prune the dead branches? And if so close to trunk or a node?

Pruning wouldn't be a bad thing.

Cut side branches to the outside of the branch collar, if you don't know what this is, ask. The central/leading stem can be cut back to a bud, slope the cut slightly so that the highest point is a bit above the bud to allow water to run off. It'll callus over quicker. The bud should create a new dominant leading shoot and maintain the natural growth habit. If two shoots develop in competition, later on select the strongest and remove the other.

[Gardener Joe]

Hi .. I agree regarding root issue and the need to allow roots to grow into the new compost. In hot or windy weather container grown plants loose at lot of water through evaporation...it might be worth standing the pot on a plant saucer to allow the compost to soak water up from the bottom HOWEVER! Don't leave it permanently standing in water.. it's unhealthy for the plant! 

Regarding pruning any 'stone fruit' should be pruned when actively growing (is summer months but not when the plant is under stress) to avoid a fungal infection called silverleaf which can kill the tree. Removing dead wood or broken branches can be done at anytime though. 

Since re-potting have you fed the tree? A good general slow release fertiliser would probably be a good idea. 

I've just looked at your photos again, and feel that the pot might also bee quite small for a 3yr old cherry... they really like room to spread their roots. Also what type of compost have you used... ideally I would suggest John Innes no 3.

Finally regarding planting out... As it effectively container grown you can do this at anytime... however I would suggest waiting 'til after fruiting and when the garden soil is nicely damp... not in a prolonged dry spell. Make sure your planting hole is about twice the diameter of the pot. Dig in plenty of organic matter and suitable fertiliser (eg bone meal). Plant so that the rootball is at about to same level (ie not too deep) and water well. DON'T let it dry out. Mulching with garden compost or a product such as "strultch" will help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Sorry to ramble on, but hope this helps. ?

[Jonathanm]

Brilliant thank you all for you advice. Very helpful and informative.

 

jonathan