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When & How to Prune Flowering Cherry Trees (Without Damaging Them)

A gardener carefully prunes branches of a tree using red-handled pruning shears, set against a clear blue sky.
A gardener carefully prunes branches of a tree using red-handled pruning shears, set against a clear blue sky.

Cherry trees are a quintessential part of many British gardens, offering clouds of pink or white blossom in spring and vivid foliage in autumn. But whether you’ve planted an ornamental flowering cherry or a fruit-bearing variety, correct pruning is essential to keep your tree healthy, balanced, and looking its best.

This guide explains when to prune cherry trees in the UK, how to do it without causing stress or disease, and which tools and techniques are best suited for ornamental varieties like Prunus ‘Kanzan’, ‘The Bride’, and ‘Amanogawa’.



Why Prune a Flowering Cherry Tree?

Pruning isn’t just about controlling size — it’s key to the tree’s long-term vitality:


  • Improves air circulation to reduce risk of fungal disease

  • Shapes the canopy for aesthetics and balance

  • Encourages stronger flowering by removing unproductive growth

  • Prevents damage by eliminating dead or rubbing branches

  • Supports wildlife by maintaining a natural shape with access to light


Pruning cherry trees correctly helps prevent common issues like silver leaf disease and bacterial canker, both of which exploit pruning wounds during wet, cold weather.

📚 Read more on pollinator-friendly gardening from RHS →



When to Prune Cherry Trees in the UK

Timing is everything. In the UK climate, the safest time to prune cherry trees is mid to late summer (late July to mid-August), once the tree has finished flowering and the risk of infection is lowest.


Pruning Guide by Type:

Tree Type

Best Time to Prune

Notes

Ornamental cherry (Prunus)

Late July–August

After flowering; avoids disease

Fruiting cherry

Late July–mid August

Never in winter

Young tree (1–3 yrs)

Summer or late winter*

*Only structural shaping in dormancy

Dead or diseased wood

As soon as noticed

Prune any time of year

Never prune cherry trees in winter — the risk of silver leaf fungus is high and wounds heal slowly.




How to Prune a Cherry Tree: Step-by-Step

Before you start, clean and sharpen your secateurs or pruning saw to minimise infection.


1. Identify What to Remove

  • Dead, diseased or damaged branches

  • Crossing or rubbing stems

  • Inward-growing shoots that clutter the centre

  • Suckers from the base or rootstock



2. Use the Right Cut

  • Cut just above a bud pointing in the direction you want new growth

  • Make clean, angled cuts to shed water

  • For larger limbs, use the three-cut method to avoid bark tearing


💡 Tip: Never apply pruning sealant — it traps moisture and invites decay.



3. Maintain Shape

For ornamental cherry trees, aim to retain the tree’s natural habit:

  • Prunus ‘Kanzan’: Spreading — remove lower crossing branches

  • Prunus ‘Amanogawa’: Upright — thin gently without changing vertical form

  • Prunus ‘Shirotae’: Broad — avoid topping or hard shaping




Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-pruning: Removes too much foliage and weakens the tree

  • Cutting in winter: Increases risk of fungal infection

  • Topping: Never remove the top of ornamental cherries — they won’t regenerate cleanly

  • Leaving stubs: Always cut back to a bud or branch collar




Recommended Tools

  • Bypass secateurs for thin branches

  • Loppers for stems up to 3cm

  • Pruning saw for thicker limbs

  • Disinfectant spray or bleach solution to sterilise between cuts




Aftercare

  • Water well during dry spells

  • Avoid feeding with high-nitrogen fertilisers

  • Mulch in autumn to retain moisture and suppress weeds

  • Monitor for signs of canker, gummosis, or silver leaf in following months




FAQs

Can I prune my cherry tree in winter?

No — pruning in winter can invite silver leaf fungus. Always prune in summer once the tree has finished flowering.

How much can I cut back my cherry tree?

Remove no more than 20–25% of the canopy in one season to avoid stress.

Should I prune flowering cherries every year?

Not necessarily. Once the shape is established, light pruning every 2–3 years is enough.

What if my cherry tree has never been pruned?

Start gradually — focus on removing dead/diseased branches first and shaping over multiple years.

Can pruning encourage more flowers?

Yes — by removing unproductive wood and opening the canopy to light, pruning often boosts blossom production.



Still unsure about pruning techniques? Contact Bowhayes Trees for tailored advice →


For more guidance, explore our Cherry Trees UK Complete Guide →

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