Stella Cherry Tree

1. Planting: Choose a sunny spot that will give your tree a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Although it will thrive in almost any kind of soil, avoid locations where the soil will remain soggy for prolonged lengths of time - choose an area with well-drained soil. When you're ready to plant, dig a hole that's as deep as the root ball and about three times the width. Then, place the tree, back fill the soil and water to settle the roots. Finally, spread a layer of mulch over the surrounding soil to preserve moisture.

2. Watering: During the growing season, if your tree receives at least an inch of rain every 10 days then no additional irrigation is necessary. If the season is hot and dry, then you may need to provide some additional water. The best way to water is by using a slow trickling garden hose left at the base of the tree. This will allow the water to penetrate the soil more deeply and prevent it from running off over the soil surface. Make sure the ground is fully moisturized all around the root system.

If you're not sure when to water, simply check the soil about 2 inches down - if the soil is dry, it's time to water.

3. Pruning: A year after planting your tree, prune your tree during winter. Shape the tree to encourage horizontal branch growth with space between branches. And prune once a year as necessary to remove weak, drooping branches.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring and mid-summer using nitrogen fertilizer twice annually, applying 2 weeks after planting and 4 weeks after the first application. Use a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 - but fertilizer application ratios vary upon the formulation, so be sure to follow package directions. When applying, be sure fertilizer is 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk.

Tips: In colder climates, avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to prevent new growth that won’t harden before fall frosts.