Cherry tree

Hi,
I'm pretty much new to gardening,so go easy on me.I would like some advise on a Morell cherry tree I have just aquired.Will this tree bear fruit without any other cherry trees nearby?.I am not expecting any fruit for a few years anyway as it is olny small(4ft approx).Any more info about this fruit tree would be most helpful.
Many thanks,
Stokie.

 

According to the BBC site the Morello (i'm assuming this is the same tree) is self fertile, so looks as though you'll be ok!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/692.shtml

 

even tho trees claim to be self fertile, they often do better if planted close to a relative,
lookin at RHS site you need expert advice on pruning,
what are your plans for these cherries, when the arrive, will they be jam or cooking?

[ 20. April 2006, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: Lady Gardener ]

 

I have one that is possibly 10 years old and it crops very well, lots and lots of fruit shared with the blackbirds and blue tits but still plenty for me. The tits are a bit annoying as they start and spoil quite a lot of fruit. My tree would grow very tall if it were not for my pruning in fact I had quit a go at it last autumn but it is now covered with blossom not all open yet. They are easy to grow and mine is self fertile. I prune mine after fruiting. Photo tomorrow.

 

Hans,could you post a few tips on pruning?
My tree came from Bakker 15 years ago,it's self pollenating and has lovely fruit...just ask every bird around here! :(

Anyone help how ring barking is carried out and will it help check back my tree growth??

 

Pruning my way may be not by the book, but.... What I did was when it was about 8 or so ft I took out the leader and it forked and started to become more of a bush type tree.The tree is vigorous and it needs pruning a little each year after fruiting. Last year I cut out about 3ft or more off each leader[see photo]as it had become too big. I expect it to make quite a lot of growth this year and as it usually sets well I will probably get a good crop.




As you can see it is healthy but can have the odd black fly attack which can be dealt with by removal of the infected leaves. The smaller branches are always very brittle and care should be taken when harvesting.

 

Do you think I should have the none flowering ends off to help hold it back a bit?

 

I would take it back a bit after fruiting. I pruned mine hard last year but it should fill out this year. Looks like you are in for a good crop. Mine sets well but drops quite a lot of fruit sort of self thinning, but I usually have loads.