Now that spring is in full force, summer and cherry season are right around the corner. Soon there will be bud swell leading to the undeniable beauty that cherry trees are when in full bloom. Although there is no fruit on the trees just yet, the sight of a blossoming orchard will make anyone want to become a farmer.

While you are driving around appreciating the Montmorency cherry tree’s beauty, here are a few facts about the trees:

• Montmorency trees are self-fruitful. They can produce fruit from their pollen which is beneficial because many fruit tree varieties require a pollination partner; a different variety of the same fruit species is used to cross-pollinate a tree to produce the actual fruit.
• The trees are tolerant and grow well in temperature extremes. They do best in full sun and loamy, sandy, well-drained soils.
• The trees are medium in size, growing up to two feet a year and reaching 8-18 feet at maturity with an average age of 20 years.
• Fruit production will start during their fourth or fifth growing season. When that time comes, birds will notice and want a piece of the pie themselves. We recommend draping a nylon or cheesecloth netting over the trees that will help keep unwanted wildlife away.

We don’t blame you if you feel inspired. If your weather conditions permit, we encourage you to plant a tree. You may fall in love with farming as much as we have.

Source: Arbor Day Blog