Cherry trees are one of the most famous types of trees in the modern world. Their popularity is partly due to the infamous story where George Washington cut down one of his father’s prized cherry trees. Most of their fame, however, is because of the delightful fruit and wood that cherry trees produce.
However, the only way you’ll reap the benefit of a cherry harvest is by properly planting and caring for the trees on which they grow. To do that, step one is choosing the best soil for cherry trees based on their qualities and ingredients.
Keep reading and we’ll share our top picks for the best soil for cherry trees!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Black Gold Potting Mix All-Purpose
Best All-Purpose:
Dr. Earth All-Purpose Premium Potting Soil
Best Soil for Cherry Trees for Professional Growers:
PREMIER HORTICULTURE HGC713445 Pro-Mix
Best Overall
Black Gold Potting Mix All-Purpose
There are lots of options out there when it comes to choosing the best soil for cherry trees. However, you’ll find Black Gold All Purpose Potting Mix at the top of almost everyone’s list.
This product has all the makings necessary to be a top-notch potting soil with the added benefit of primarily all-natural ingredients.
This potting soil consists mainly of peat moss, perlite, pumice, and compost to ensure optimal drainage and moisture retention.
The moss and compost provide the drainage and retention necessary to keep your cherry tree healthy, and the pumice and perlite offer root stability so your tree can grow to its maximum height.
Another factor making Black Gold potting mix the best soil for cherry trees is that it contains several all-natural fertilizing nutrients. Earthworm castings, a slow-releasing fertilizer, and dolomite lime have everything your cherry tree needs to be fruitful and flourish.
Pros
- It contains healthy, natural nutrients for maximum tree growth
- It offers superb drainage and water retention
- Ample root stability
- Slow-release fertilizer that feeds your tree for up to six months
Cons
- Some of the fertilizer additives are synthetics or chemicals
Best All-Purpose
Dr. Earth All-Purpose Premium Potting Soil
In many ways, Dr. Earth All-Purpose Premium Potting Soil is the best soil for cherry trees. Its ingredients and composition ensure superb drainage and moisture retention and consist of 100% natural and organic ingredients. The only downside to speak of regarding Dr. Earth Premium Potting Soil is that it’s fairly pricy.
Although expensive, this potting soil will guarantee your cherry tree’s success. Because it’s organic, the entirety of this soil is made up of natural products and contains nothing synthetic. It also has the nutrients for cherry tree growth, including TruBiotic microbes.
While you can use this potting soil for any application, it’s noted as the best soil for cherry trees grown in containers. The drainage and nutrition it offers are second to none, but because of the product’s price, it’s wise to use it in smaller applications.
Pros
- Excellent drainage and moisture retention
- 100% organic and hand-crafted with natural products
- It doesn’t contain any GMOs, manure, or odors
- Safe for people and pets
- Ideal for potted cherry trees and smaller varieties
Cons
- Not ideal for growing cherry trees in the ground or widespread use
- Fairly expensive
Best Soil for Cherry Trees for Professional Growers
PREMIER HORTICULTURE HGC713445 Pro-Mix
If you’re looking for the best soil for cherry trees so you can grow them like a pro, you should consider the Pro-Mix. The proof is in the pudding regarding this soil, as it has all the traits and properties necessary to be the best.
This option is suitable for cherry trees and a wide array of horticulture. This means that you can use it for your other trees as well!
Pros
- High-Drainage Capacity
- Ideal for water-sensitive trees
- It makes root cutting easier
Cons
- Not organic, which means it’s unsafe for animals
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Soil for Cherry Trees
Let’s look at the four main things to remember when choosing the best soil for cherry trees. These considerations are also what we looked at when making our selections.
Type of Soil
There are many different soil types, but the best soil for cherry trees should contain sandy loam, peat moss, bark, pumice, perlite, and other well-draining materials.
Failing to have soil that drains quickly but also retains moisture when necessary will likely result in root rot or another disease that stems from excess water.
While drainage and retention are essential, you also want soil that will provide enough stability for the roots of your tree. Cherry trees planted in the ground can grow up to forty feet tall, but they’ll only do this if the roots are strong enough to support them.
Nutrients
Another important aspect of cherry tree growth is providing them with necessary food and nutrients. Trees are living things; just like people, they have specific dietary needs. Having slow-release fertilizer, earthworm castings, fish byproducts, and other organic materials added to your soil will increase your cherry trees’ chances of success.
Organic Vs. Inorganic
In this list, we’ve offered both organic and non-organic options. While organic soil is quickly becoming the soil of choice for cherry tree growers, this isn’t mandatory. As long as it contains the nutrients and ingredients necessary, any soil can be the best soil for cherry trees.
pH Level
Finally, be sure to check the pH level of your cherry tree soil. pH refers to how acidic something is, and the best soil for cherry trees should have a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0, with 6.5 being perfect.
Give Your Cherry Trees Their Best Start
Whether you want to make a living out of it or grow cherry trees as a hobby, a lot goes into their care and productivity. However, by choosing the best soil for cherry trees, you’ll provide a solid foundation for them to grow on.
This will allow you to maximize their growth and help them flourish into adulthood.
For more information about cherry trees and how to care for them, head on over to our Cherry Trees page where we’ll have all the details you need!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Jalin Coblentz was born and raised in northeast Ohio in the heart of farming country and grew up working in the family garden growing corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.
Canning and preservation were also a way of life for Jalin growing up, and he spent countless hours helping his mother, grandmother, and aunts with these duties. It’s now his passion to share his skills and knowledge with others to help them achieve their own growing goals.
Moriah
Thursday 15th of June 2023
I have a Lapins cherry tree and noticed it’s not doing as well as my apple trees. Tested the soil, pH is 8.5. I think that’s the problem. What’s the best way to fix this without harming the tree? Currently it has some leaves on it, but it’s certainly not thriving as it should be this time of year.
Matt
Thursday 22nd of June 2023
Reducing soil pH, or making the soil more acidic, can be achieved through several methods. Here are a few common methods: Elemental sulfur: This is one of the most common ways to lower soil pH. The sulfur is converted to sulfuric acid by soil bacteria, which in turn acidifies the soil. The amount required depends on the current pH and the type of soil, so a soil test is recommended before application. Aluminum sulfate or iron sulfate: These can also be used to reduce soil pH. However, these are faster-acting than elemental sulfur but can be more damaging to soil life and structure if over-applied. Organic matter: Adding organic materials like peat moss, composted leaves, or pine needles can gradually reduce soil pH over time. Acidifying nitrogen: Some fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate or urea, can help to acidify the soil. Vinegar: Diluted vinegar is a quick but temporary solution. It can acidify the soil immediately, but the effect doesn't last very long because it gets quickly neutralized.