Is there anything more stunning in a garden than a cherry tree in full blossom? Of course, the pesky wind soon deflowers the tree but what a wonderful sight it is for those days when it is in full bloom. But the wind carrying off the blossom isn’t the end of the story. We still have the bounty of sweet juicy cherries to look forward to and much baking of pies or canning of jams.

As you may have guessed I’m a big fan of the cherry tree. But, in case you need a little more convincing to whip out the spade and plant your own tree in the garden here’s plenty of reasons why you should do so. Or, if you're already convinced, check out our great range of cherry trees for sale. 

Why the Cherry Tree is Tops

1. Beautiful Blossoms

A cherry tree in full bloom is a sight to behold. Is there anything else quite so stunning yet so elegant? Blossoms hanging off the trees in their hues of pink and white will transform any garden. Blossom usually appears in spring but the tragedy is that they don’t stay on the tree for long. But when you see cherry blossom, you know the long hot summer days are just around the corner.

There is a housing estate near where I live which was built, I believe, in the 1950s. The far-sighted planners planted cherry trees on both sides of the main road along its entire length. In summer the sight is breathtaking and (admittedly with a lot of imagination given the square brick-built houses) you could almost believe yourself in Japan thanks to the array of pink and white blossom.

2. Delicious Fruits

Well, this is pretty obvious but one of the best things about growing cherry trees are… the cherries. Cherries are not only sweet and tasty but also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. But more importantly they are amazing in a pie. With loads of cream of course. Having your own cherry tree in the garden and picking your own crop is pretty cool. And you know that the cherries are fresh and haven’t been treated with pesticides and other chemicals.

3. Low Maintenance

Cherry trees are relatively low maintenance compared to many other fruit trees. To be honest, apart from a little pruning once a year and semi-regular feeding (I usually forget) I don’t really do anything to my cherry trees apart from picking the fruit. Once established your tree will only need minimal care. Regular watering, occasional pruning, and protection from pests are usually sufficient to keep them healthy and productive.

4. Choose Full-Grown or Dwarf Varieties

Take your pick. You don’t need a massive orchard or small holding to enjoy a cherry tree. They can be purchased from Direct Plants in either full-grown and or dwarf varieties. So, whatever the size of your garden you can enjoy your own home-grown cherries. Naturally enough, if you have a larger space, full-grown mature cherry trees will become a beautiful and amazing focal point in your garden. But if you only have a small space, even just a balcony, you can still enjoy a cherry tree grown in a pot. Dwarf fruit trees are a great option for the space starved gardener and will still produce beautiful blossoms and delicious fruit.

5. Shade and Shelter

If you need shade in your garden a mature cherry tree is just the ticket. They will create a cool and comfortable spot to relax during hot summer days (if we ever get any). Their broad canopy can also offer shelter for smaller plants, so you can have a mini garden around the base of the tree.

6. Wildlife Habitat

Like all tree, the cherry will attract a variety of wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies. Birds, in particular, love cherries and will often visit your garden to feast on the fruit. Which can be a massive problem if you don’t want to share your crop with our feathered friends. But the tree will also help pollinators so its all a bit of a trade-off. You can take steps to protect the fruit with netting if you wish.

7. What can’t You Do with a Cherry?

From eating them fresh from the tree to baking, preserving, and even fermenting for homemade cherry wine, the possibilities of what you can use your fruit crop for are almost endless. Whether you're making cherry pies, whipping up a smoothie, or experimenting with savoury dishes, having fresh cherries on hand can inspire your inner galloping gourmet.

8. Symbolic Significance

If you’re a culture vulture then planting a cherry tree will be right up your street. They have a cultural and symbolic value in many parts of the world. In Japan, cherry blossoms, or Sakura, symbolize the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of impermanence. Which is all very deep but in the land of the rising sun, celebrating the cherry blossom season has become a cherished tradition known as Hanami.

9. Improved Soil Health

The deep root systems of a mature cherry tree will help to the structure and health of the soil in your garden. The roots will break up compacted soil and allow better water infiltration and aeration. This will not only benefit your cherry tree but also all the plants growing nearby. The fallen leaves and blossom will also decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients.

10. Pest Resistance

Most cherry trees are very resistant to common pests and diseases, which makes life a lot easier for us gardeners. It means that most of us will be able to maintain a healthy and productive tree without too much hassle.

11. Longevity

Cherry trees are known for their longevity and most garden varieties will live for 20 to 30 years. Just imagine how many cherry pies you could make in 30 years. Some varieties can live for over two hundred years while some of the incredible trees in Japan are claimed to be over 2,000 years old. But, however long your cherry tree lives for you can be assured you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

12. Seasonal Interest

They certainly aren’t evergreen yet cherry trees will provide all year-round interest for you and your garden. Spring blossoms, summer foliage, autumnal fruits, and stark architectural branches in winter. Cherry trees always have something to offer.

13. Aesthetic Appeal

Finally, cherry trees are simply beautiful. No matter what time of year it is your cherry tree will look stunning. Use your tree, or trees, as a focal point or as a backdrop, or plant your own orchard. Go big on the cherry or mix in other fruit trees such as apple and pear and create your own little (or not so little depending on space) fruit farm.

Cherry trees are perennial favourites with our customers but we also have dozens of other fruit trees and bushes in our nursery. Check out all our fruit trees and plant your own mini orchard today.