Remove suckers coming from the base of the tree or underground. Push the mulch aside, and with sharp pruners, cut these off as low as you can. … Prune out dead or dying branches. Prune back to live wood. … Remove “watersprouts” on the trunk of the tree. … Prune for shaping. … Have fun!

What month do you prune cherry trees?

Early spring is also prime time for pruning young cherry trees, shaping and training the young tree before it blossoms. Pruning should begin as buds emerge, but wait until all chance of extreme cold temperatures have passed to avoid possible cold injury, as younger trees are more susceptible to this.

How far back can you prune a cherry tree?

Prune whips back to 28- to 36-inches above the ground at planting time. After the new branches have grown 3 to 5 inches in length, select a shoot to become the leader and the rest become the tree’s scaffold limbs.