If you’re planning to add a cherry tree to your garden, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, how tall do cherry trees grow? The answer isn’t simple, as these beautiful trees can reach impressive heights, but their ultimate size depends on several key factors. Knowing what to expect helps you choose the perfect spot and the right variety for your space, ensuring your tree thrives for decades.
This guide will walk you through everything that influences a cherry tree’s height, from its rootstock to your local climate. We’ll cover the major types—sweet, sour, and ornamental—and give you practical tips for managing their growth. Whether you dream of homegrown pies or a stunning spring display, understanding their potential size is the first step to success.
How Tall Do Cherry Trees Grow
On average, a standard cherry tree can grow between 20 and 40 feet tall. Some vigorous varieties can even soar past 50 feet under ideal conditions. However, most gardeners won’t be dealing with a forest giant. Modern orchards and home gardens typically use size-controlling rootstocks, which keep trees much smaller and easier to manage.
The type of cherry is the biggest starting point for estimating height.
Sweet Cherry Trees (Prunus avium)
Sweet cherries, the kind you eat fresh, are the larger of the two fruiting types. A standard sweet cherry tree on its own roots can easily reach 30 to 40 feet tall and just as wide. They are fast growers and develop a strong, central leader shape. For a home garden, that’s often too large for practical harvesting and care.
Sour Cherry Trees (Prunus cerasus)
Sour or tart cherry trees, used for baking and preserves, are naturally more compact. They typically grow to about 15 to 20 feet tall at maturity. They also often have a spreading, shrub-like growth habit, which makes them a popular choice for smaller yards. Their manageable size is one reason they’re a favorite among home fruit growers.
Ornamental Cherry Trees (Various)
Ornamental cherries, like the famous Japanese Yoshino or Kwanzan varieties, are grown for their breathtaking spring blooms, not fruit. Their height varies widely by cultivar. Some, like the upright ‘Amanogawa’, may reach 25 feet tall but stay narrow. Weeping forms, like ‘Snow Fountains’, may only grow 12 to 15 feet tall. Always check the specific variety’s expected mature size before planting.
The Biggest Factor: Rootstock
This is the most important secret to controlling tree height. Almost all cherry trees you buy are grafted. The fruiting part (the scion) is attached to a root system from a different plant (the rootstock). The rootstock dictates the tree’s ultimate size and vigor.
Here’s a quick guide to common cherry rootstocks:
* Dwarfing (e.g., Gisela 5): Keeps trees very small, about 8 to 12 feet tall. Perfect for tiny spaces and easy picking.
* Semi-Dwarf (e.g., Mahaleb, Colt): The most common for home gardens. Trees reach 12 to 18 feet tall. A great balance of yield and manageability.
* Standard (Own-root or seedling): Results in the full-sized tree of 30+ feet. Used in commercial orchards or large landscapes.
Always ask about the rootstock when purchasing your tree. It’s the best predictor of its future in your garden.
Other Key Factors Influencing Height
Beyond genetics, your local environment plays a huge role.
* Sunlight: Cherry trees need full sun—at least 6 hours daily. Less sun leads to stunted, weak growth.
* Soil Quality: Deep, well-drained, and moderately fertile soil supports healthy, robust growth. Poor, compacted, or waterlogged soil severely limits size.
* Water: Consistent moisture, especially in the first few years and during fruit development, is crucial for steady growth. Drought stress will stall a tree.
* Climate and Zone: Cherries need a period of winter chill to thrive. A tree in its ideal hardiness zone will grow better than one struggling in too-warm or too-cold a climate.
* Pruning and Training: You have direct control here. Regular pruning manages height and shapes the tree. Without pruning, a tree will grow taller and wider than a well-maintained one.
How to Manage and Control Your Cherry Tree’s Height
You are not powerless against a tree’s natural instincts. With smart practices, you can keep it at a height that works for you.
1. Start with the Right Tree
Select a variety and rootstock combo that naturally fits your space. If you have a small backyard, a dwarf sour cherry on a Gisela 5 rootstock is a smarter choice than a standard sweet cherry.
2. Pruning for Size and Health
Pruning is essential. The goal is to create a strong structure and allow sunlight into the canopy. Here’s a simplified annual pruning routine:
1. Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant, just before spring growth starts. This prevents disease and allows you to see the branch structure.
2. Remove the 3 D’s: Start by cutting out any Dead, Diseased, or Damaged wood.
3. Thin out crowded branches: Cut back branches that cross or rub against each other. Aim for an open, vase-like shape that lets in light and air.
4. Control height: To reduce height, cut back the central leader (the main upright trunk) to a side branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the branch being cut. Never just “top” the tree, as this causes weak, messy growth.
5. Shorten long limbs: Prune back overly vigorous branches to an outward-facing bud to encourage spreading rather than upward growth.
3. Training Young Trees
The first 3-5 years are critical for establishing a good shape. For a manageable height, consider training your tree into an open center (vase) shape rather than a central leader. This encourages outward growth and keeps the canopy lower and more accessible.
4. Mind Your Fertilizer
Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen products, can spur excessive, weak, leafy growth at the expense of fruit and a sturdy structure. Fertilize modestly based on a soil test, not guesswork.
Comparing Popular Cherry Tree Heights
Here’s a quick-reference table for some common varieties. Remember, rootstock will adjust these figures.
| Cherry Tree Type / Variety | Typical Mature Height (Standard) | Typical Mature Height (Dwarf/Semi-Dwarf) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Bing Sweet Cherry | 30-40 ft | 12-18 ft |
| Stella Sweet Cherry | 25-30 ft | 10-15 ft |
| Montmorency Sour Cherry | 15-20 ft | 8-12 ft |
| Yoshino Flowering Cherry | 25-35 ft | Not typically grafted |
| Kwanzan Flowering Cherry | 25-30 ft | Not typically grafted |
| Weeping Cherry | 15-25 ft | Often grafted on a standard |
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do cherry trees grow?
Cherry trees have a moderate to fast growth rate. Given good conditions, you can expect 1 to 2 feet of new growth per year untill they reach their mature height.
What is the tallest cherry tree ever recorded?
While records are informal, wild sweet cherry trees (known as “mazzards”) in forest settings have been known to grow over 80 feet tall. In cultivation, reports of trees over 50 feet are not uncommon for old, unpruned specimens.
Can I keep my cherry tree small?
Yes, absolutely. The combination of starting with a dwarfing rootstock and practicing consistent, careful pruning is the key to maintaining a smaller tree. It’s an ongoing commitment, not a one-time task.
Do cherry trees have deep roots?
Most cherry tree roots are in the top 18-24 inches of soil, but they can spread widely, often twice as far as the tree’s canopy. This shallow root system makes them sensitive to soil compaction and drought.
When will my cherry tree reach its full height?
A cherry tree will typically reach its mature height in about 10 to 20 years, depending on the variety, rootstock, and growing conditions. Growth slows significantly once maturity is reached.
Planting a cherry tree is a long-term investment in your garden’s beauty and bounty. By understanding the factors that influence how tall they grow—primarily type, rootstock, and your own care—you can make an informed choice and enjoy your tree for many years to come. Remember, the right tree in the right place, with a little annual attention, will provide joy without outgrowing its welcome. Start by choosing a variety suited to your climate and space, and you’ll be well on your way to success.