How to create a fan trained cherry tree

Fan trained cherry trees are a beautiful and space-saving way to grow fruit in a small garden or backyard. Here are the steps to create a fan-trained cherry tree:

1. Choose a suitable cherry tree variety: Make sure the variety you choose is suitable for your climate and soil type.
2. Choose a suitable location: Cherry trees prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil. Make sure the site is free from weeds and has enough space for your fan-trained tree.
3. Prepare the soil: Before planting your tree, prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility.
4. Plant the tree: Plant the cherry tree in the center of the hole and backfill with soil, firming the soil around the roots. Make sure the graft union is above the soil level.
5. Install support wires: Install two sturdy wires or trellis against the wall or fence where you want to train your tree. One wire should be installed about 18 inches above the ground, and the other about 3-4 feet above the ground.
6. Tie the tree to the wires: Tie the main trunk of the tree to the lower wire, making sure it is straight and secure. Tie the branches to the upper wire, spacing them out evenly and at an angle of about 45 degrees.
7. Prune the tree: During the first year, prune the tree to shape it into a fan shape. Cut back any branches that are growing too upright or are crossing over other branches. In subsequent years, prune the tree in winter to maintain its shape and promote fruiting.
8. Water and fertilize: Water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in mid-summer to promote growth and fruiting.
9. Harvest the cherries: Your fan-trained cherry tree should start bearing fruit in its second or third year. Harvest the cherries when they are ripe, usually in early to mid-summer.

There are several cherry tree varieties that are suitable for fan training, including:

1. Stella: A self-fertile, sweet cherry variety that is easy to grow and produces a good yield. It has large, dark red fruit that ripens in early to mid-summer.
2. Lapins: A late-season cherry variety that produces large, dark red fruit. It is self-fertile and has a high yield.
3. Morello: A sour cherry variety that is ideal for making preserves, pies, and other baked goods. It has a high yield and is self-fertile.
4. Compact Stella: A dwarf version of the Stella cherry tree, it grows to about 6-8 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or containers.
5. Sunburst: A self-fertile cherry variety that produces large, firm fruit with a sweet flavor. It is a good choice for fan training because it has an upright growth habit and can be easily trained to a fan shape.
6. Van: A sweet cherry variety that is self-fertile and produces large, dark red fruit. It has a high yield and is easy to grow.

When choosing a cherry tree variety for fan training, it is important to consider factors such as the tree’s size, yield, flavor, and self-fertility. Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are typically better suited for fan training, as they have a more manageable size and are easier to train into a fan shape.