-There hasn’t been much research done on production practices of the University of Saskatchewan hybrid cherries. like most other bush fruits, it is probably best to prune the hybrids as an open based shrub.

-The renewal pruning system should work well because it is a bush fruit.

• The renewal pruning system is a method of pruning used where once the plant is in full bearing stage (about 5 to 7 years), about one-fifth of the plant is cut down to the ground.

• A few new shoots that come up after are selected as the fresh branches that will bear fruit and the rest of the new growth should be cut out again.

-Allowing weeping branches to grow will increase fruiting on the branches because apical dominance is reduced.

Pruning should be done in april before bud break to encourage growth.

-Pruning should never be done during summer or fall because it may ecourage late growth that could cause winter damage to the plant.

-This should be done every year and this method will keep the plant vigorous and healthy for many years.
 

Renewal Pruning System for Dwarf Sour Cherry

*The trees in the diagram should normally be more closed together but to make the diagram clearer the branches were spread out further to show cuts that should be made. Step 4 should be continuous year after year, which will keep the orchard productive.

The Proper Shaped Bush

-The proper shape for pruning a darf cherry is vase-shaped.

-The plant should be multiple branched, (preferably 5 to 8 branches) and open up at the top to a almost weeping form.

-This allows for proper closure of the over the row harvester at the base of the plant and lots of fruiting area up top where there is lots of sun.

-A plant that is more open allows for better air flow and reduces the risk of diseases infecting the plant.