When & How to Prune Flowering Cherry Trees (Without Damaging Them)
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
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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