What soil is best for cherry trees?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Cherry trees prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Each spring, I test the soil with a $15 test kit, and where mine hit 5.5, I added lime, saving my crop. If you have sandy soil, you need to add 30% compost to your soil to add nutrients. Heavy clay? Add gypsum to the soil to loosen up the texture.
Soil Testing
- Test pH annually in early spring before buds break.
- Adjust acidity with 1-2 lbs (0.45-0.9 kg) lime per 100 sq ft.
- For alkaline soil, add elemental sulfur (1 lb/0.45 kg per 100 sq ft).
Soil Mix Ratios
- Sandy soil: 30% compost + 20% peat moss.
- Clay soil: 25% gypsum + 25% coarse sand.
- Loamy soil: 10% compost yearly for maintenance.
Drainage is required. Dig a 12 in. (30 cm) hole, fill it, and if it drains slower than 2 in. (5 cm) per hour, then you need to build raised beds or add perlite. My clay soil thrived after adding about 20% perlite, and the roots stopped drowning.
Mulch around your tree with 3 inches (7.6 cm) of wood chips to help retain moisture. I do not recommend using walnut mulches as they release juglone, a toxin that can harm your cherry trees! I will layer shredded leaves on the ground underneath the woody mulch every fall. By spring they will be decomposed, feeding the worms under the mulch and improving the structure of your soil.
To maintain health for the long term, cover crops such as clover should be rotated every 3 years, as they support nitrogen fixation and weed suppression. Avoid nested tomato or pepper plants nearby, as they are also targeted by the same pests when cherries are nearby, too. Healthy soil will lead to lower diseases and yields will typically be higher by 20-30% over time.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cherry Trees From Seed or Sapling
