Cherry Tree not fruiting?

[Gemizzel]

Morning

We took on a plot last year that has a well established cherry tree. its rather large so has obviously been there a number of years.

Last year it didn't fruit. I don't know what the years prior to last were like but last year zilch.

What should I be doing to encourage fruiting? There is a cherry tree on the next plot so pollination shouldn't be the issue.

the tree must have fruited at some point or the previous owner wouldn't have kept it, surely?

[Guest]

My Dad use to have a temperamental cherry tree fruit one year nothing for two and so on in a random pattern, I don't know what variety. I have a white heart which is also temperamental but it is quite a young tree, If the tree isn't in the way of anything I would leave it be. However if you could make better use of the space I would give it a second chance and if no joy get rid.

[Gemizzel]

I was thinking the same but it would be such a shame. it must be over 15ft tall at its highest point so its been there a while :/

[Guest]

I was thinking the same but it would be such a shame. it must be over 15ft tall at its highest point so its been there a while :/

Also if it did fruit would you be able to protect the fruit? seeing as the tree is well established. I have an established wild cherry that fruits well. However I have about a 10 day window to pick (slighty under ripe fruit aswell) before the birds strip it and deposit the stones absolutely everywhere The 1st year I picked nothing, last year I managed to pick enough for 12 jars of jam. Not a great return if it was taking up valuable growing space

[Glutton4...]

Could it be an ornamental cherry?

[Gemizzel]

Could it be an ornamental cherry?

Maybe... although I wouldn't know how to tell - unless it has a label of course
I haven't seen anything on it to indicate what type it is but it maybe underneath the membrane which surrounds it. Will have a look when I next go

[Gemizzel]

Also if it did fruit would you be able to protect the fruit? seeing as the tree is well established. I have an established wild cherry that fruits well. However I have about a 10 day window to pick (slighty under ripe fruit aswell) before the birds strip it and deposit the stones absolutely everywhere The 1st year I picked nothing, last year I managed to pick enough for 12 jars of jam. Not a great return if it was taking up valuable growing space

Its quite big, it would take some protecting! Through the summer I can go daily so not a problem to pick regularly.

[yummersetter]

But the birds wake up hungry at dawn!

[DiggerSean]

Did it flower last year?

[SkyChild]

Ornamental cherries usually have larger frillier definitely pink blossom, do they not? And often double flowers.
Whereas fruiting ones have paler almost white single flowers.

If it's that big I wouldn't be able to bear to cut it down - I LOVE cherry trees in full blossom!

[Gemizzel]

Did it flower last year?

I don't recall seeing any flowers on it

[DiggerSean]

That's your problem then, no flowers = no fruit. The next question is why didn't it flower. For a mature cherry that is a uncommon. Has it got flower buds forming right now?

[Gemizzel]

That's your problem then, no flowers = no fruit. The next question is why didn't it flower. For a mature cherry that is a uncommon. Has it got flower buds forming right now?

Again, I haven't noticed any but will double check. If there isn't, what do I need to do?

[KevinM67]

This post may be nonsense as I don't know anything about fruit trees, however last year wasn't very productive for my neighbours.

They put it down to the mild winter causing trees to blossom earlier - they then got hit with frost in May which decimated their potential crop

This was mainly apples and pears - I don't know if it had an affect on cherries.