Cut back to within ⅜ inches/1 cm from the main branch or trunk. Remove large branches that are unnecessary for the espalier training pattern you have chosen.

It is best to prune espalier cherry trees in June, July or August.Remove suckers, any dead, diseased or damaged wood, and then remove branches growing in towards the trunk, or upwards near to vertical.In general, when pruning cherry trees, try to make as few cuts as possible, removing a few complete branches in order to give the canopy an open structure. From then on, annual pruning in June will enable you to control tree size and renew the fruiting branches.Next year, create a second tier with another 4 or 5 branches, evenly spaced with respect to the first tier.Remove other branches cutting close to the central leader.

Cut these branches back to about 2 feet//60 cm with an angled cut above a bud. In June of the second year, you can begin to create the tree structure selecting 4 or 5 main lateral branches growing at about 60° from the trunk, the lowest about 18 inches/45 cm from the ground.

The first pruning, in June, after having planted in winter, should include cutting back the central leader to encourage the growth of lateral branches,.

Here are our tips on how to prune free-standing cherry trees: You can also reduce the risk of infection by disinfecting your tools with alcohol or dilute bleach solution before starting. Pruning after harvest helps stop wound infection by fungal diseases such as Silver Leaf, and Bacterial Canker. When to prune a cherry tree? It is best to prune when harvesting has been completed, and so in June or July, depending on the climate of your location. Cherry tree size can also be controlled by growing in a pot at least 50 cm in diameter and 45 cm deep. Trimming cherry trees is important in keeping the tree to a manageable size so that it can be protected by nets during fruiting.

Free download pruning cherry trees