| How much water to cherry trees require when full of cherries? |
| There are many variables involved, including soil type, weather conditions, age and condition of the tree, etc. so it's impossible to give a "one answer fits all." Some cherry varieties that mature early may bear fruit without supplemental irrigation, especially in your area. If your tree appears water-stressed (wilting or yellowing leaves, fruit not maturing), water should be added when the top 3 inches of soil is dry. Water should soak down past the entire root system, which is 3-4 feet deep. Use a soil probe to help determine how far water has penetrated. Use a pointed stick or metal rod and poke it into the soil. It will move easily through moist soil and stop at dry soil. If you have sandy soil, it will drain faster and water may need to be applied more often than if you have moisture-retaining clay soil. |
