It might take a few extra minutes, but it’s worth it to ensure your tree won’t be harmed by the pruning process. Make sure your shears are sharp, so that they don’t damage the wood on your cherry tree. Sterilize your pruning shears every time you prune your tree.
If you wait until spring, the tree will have developed buds and the energy that went into bud formation gets wasted. Making the cut before buds have formed allows the tree to use that energy to produce healthy branches.
Choose branches that don’t fall directly over the older primary branches. Create a scaffolded shape so that sunlight can reach all of the branches of the tree.
Loppers and pruning saws are suitable pruning tools for trees that are too thick to handle with pruning shears. Be sure your tools are sharp and clean before you use them.
Always remember to sterilize your pruning shears before using them, even if you’re just cutting away a few dead branches.
If you see crossed branches, choose one to remove. Branches that don’t produce fruit can be cut back flush with the leader.
If you’re working with a diseased tree, you should clean the pruning tools you’re using between every cut. Dip them in a bleach solution, wash them with hot water, and dry them off before proceeding. After you make a cut, cover the exposed cut with salve to protect it.
