Cherry (prunus)
A highly cultivated tree growing medium to fast and generally maturing to a round crown of 35' X 25'. The mature size really depends on which of the many varieties of Cherry we are talking about.
When planting it is very important to examine the root ball for any girdling roots and to identify the root flare and position it properly in its new soil. Be especially careful of container trees in regards to girdling roots.
Structure pruning is very important from early on and should be done according to what the trees purpose will be. If cherries will be harvested the tree should be pruned to reduce height and encourage thick limbs in order to make picking practical and allow the trees architecture to support the heavy fruit.
Cytospora Canker is often found on trunks and limbs of cherry and other Prunus species (Plum, Peach and Apricot). It is a fungus that moves through the tree cambium causing branch die back and eventually killing the tree. Treatment for Cytospora Canker is best done through proactive cultural practices such as proper watering, pruning etc. Once established it is very difficult to control or eradicate.
Powdery mildew and a few other leaf and twig fungi do occur on cherries, however they are usually easily controlled with early season fungicide applications.
Aphids, shothole borer and peach tree crown borer are all too common with ornamental Cherry trees. Pear Slug is also occasionally found on the leaves of plums and cherries which can cause partial or full defoliation, but is generally not detrimental to the tree if treated or occurs just once or twice. They can all be controlled with pesticide treatments in the spring and summer.
Many are available: You can check them out at Creekside Nursery in Boulder, CO.
Cherry trees have traditionally been cultivated for, fruit production, lumber production and as landscape assets for their beautiful flowers.