deciduous tree
Black Cherry: pruning, storm risk and removal
Prunus serotina. Also called Wild black cherry, Rum cherry, Mountain black cherry.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Black Cherry at a glance
| Height | 50-80 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 3-9 |
| Lifespan | typically 100-150 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Native across the eastern United States and parts of the Southwest. It grows wild in forests, fence rows and old fields. |
| Roots | Moderately shallow and spreading. Young trees can send up root suckers. It handles many soils but does best in deep, well-drained ground. |
| Wood | Moderately hard, reddish-brown heartwood. It is a prized wood for furniture and cabinets. As firewood it splits easily and burns well, with a pleasant smell, and it gives moderate heat. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is fairly strong, but the branches are brittle and split in ice, snow and high wind. Older trees often have internal decay that makes limbs drop without much warning. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a black cherry
Best time to prune
Prune in late winter to early spring, or in dry summer weather. Remove dead, crossing and broken limbs. Make clean cuts at the branch collar.
Avoid pruning
Avoid pruning in wet spring weather, when fungal spores spread easily. Avoid heavy cuts and topping, which invite decay and weak sprouts.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Keep livestock and pets away from fallen branches and wilted leaves. Wilted cherry leaves can be poisonous to animals.
- Look for black, lumpy swellings on twigs. This is usually black knot. Ask a pro or your extension office what to do.
- Check for silky tents in branch forks in spring. These are usually eastern tent caterpillars, which look bad but rarely kill a healthy tree.
- Do not plant it close to a house or a fence. It gets tall and its limbs can break in storms.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on black cherry
- 1Check for decay at the base and in the main limbs before climbing. Tap the trunk and look for conks, cracks and old wounds.
- 2Wilted leaves are toxic to livestock. Clean up all limbs and leaves when working near pastures or animals.
- 3Wood splits and seasons well. It is a good seller as firewood and as milling stock if the logs are clean and straight.
- 4Cut out black knot with clean tools and bag or burn the pieces where local rules allow.
Removal notes
Wilted or freshly fallen black cherry leaves and twigs are toxic to horses, cattle and other livestock. Crews should keep cut branches away from pastures. Large old trees often have hidden decay, so check the trunk before any climbing. Black knot swellings on branches should be cut out and not left on site.
Wood
Moderately hard, reddish-brown heartwood. It is a prized wood for furniture and cabinets. As firewood it splits easily and burns well, with a pleasant smell, and it gives moderate heat.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for black cherry
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Where black cherry grows
Native range: Native across the eastern United States and parts of the Southwest. It grows wild in forests, fence rows and old fields.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
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Black Cherry: common questions
Is black cherry poisonous?
The wilted leaves, twigs and bark contain compounds that can poison livestock such as horses and cattle. Fresh leaves are less risky, but wilted ones are the main danger. The ripe fruit is edible for people when the pits are not eaten. Keep animals away from broken branches after a storm.
How fast does a black cherry tree grow?
It grows at a medium pace in good soil, often about 1 to 2 feet a year when young. It can reach 50 to 80 feet in the woods. In a yard it is often smaller.
What are the silky tents in my cherry tree?
In spring these are usually eastern tent caterpillars. The tents are made by young caterpillars that feed on the leaves. A healthy tree normally grows new leaves back. Pruning out small tents or removing them by hand is an option; get advice for large infestations.
Is black cherry good firewood?
Yes, it is a good firewood. It splits easily, seasons in about a year and burns with a nice smell. It gives moderate heat, less than oak or hickory.
Why does my cherry tree have black lumps on the branches?
That is typically black knot, a fungal disease of cherry and plum trees. The swellings grow larger each year. Prune out affected branches several inches below the knot in the dormant season and dispose of them. Ask your local extension office for advice.
When should I remove a black cherry tree?
Consider removal if the tree is dead, leaning, has large dead limbs, mushrooms at the base, or deep cracks in the trunk. Black cherry often has hidden decay when old. Get two or three written quotes from insured tree companies, and ask a certified arborist if you are unsure.
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