Planting Instructions for Lapins Cherry Tree:

1. Location & Soil Preparation: The Lapins cherry tree thrives in full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal fruit production. Choose a location with well-drained soil, as cherry trees don’t tolerate soggy or waterlogged conditions. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic compost or sand to improve drainage.
2. Planting Depth & Spacing: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the tree's root ball. Place the tree in the hole so that the graft union (a swollen area just above the roots) is 2 inches above the soil line. This helps prevent disease. Spread the roots out gently in the hole, then backfill with native soil, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Space Lapins cherry trees 12-15 feet apart for proper airflow and room to grow.
3. Initial Watering: After planting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

Care Instructions:

1. Watering: In the first year, water your Lapins cherry tree regularly to help establish strong roots. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree will be more drought-tolerant, but consistent watering is key during the growing season to support fruit production.
2. Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before the tree begins to grow. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. For an organic alternative, use compost or well-rotted manure. Reapply fertilizer annually to support healthy growth.
3. Monitoring: Keep an eye on your tree for signs of pests such as aphids, cherry fruit flies, or diseases like canker and powdery mildew. Using organic sprays like neem oil can help control pests. Ensure proper airflow around the tree to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

1. Pruning: Prune your Lapins cherry tree in late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, thin out crowded branches to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy, which helps prevent diseases and improves fruit quality. Train the tree to have a central leader or open-vase shape for balanced growth.
2. Pollination: The Lapins cherry is self-pollinating, which means it doesn’t require another cherry tree nearby to produce fruit. However, planting it near other cherry varieties may improve yield and fruit size through cross-pollination.
3. Pest and Disease Control: Common pests include cherry fruit flies, aphids, and birds that eat the ripening fruit. To protect against birds, you can use netting. Organic insecticidal soap or neem oil works well for aphids and small pests. Monitor the tree for signs of fungal diseases like brown rot or leaf spot, and treat with fungicides if necessary.
4. Harvesting: Lapins cherries ripen in mid-to-late summer, producing large, dark, sweet fruit similar to Bing cherries. Cherries should be picked when they are fully ripe (dark red) and firm to the touch. Gently twist or cut the stem to avoid damaging the tree during harvest. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used for baking and preserving.
5. Winter Protection: Lapins cherry trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In colder regions, protect young trees from frost damage by wrapping the trunk with burlap or frost cloth in late fall. Mulch around the base of the tree in winter to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. Once established, the tree is more resilient to winter conditions.

Growing Lapins Cherry Trees in Containers:

If space is limited, Lapins cherry trees can be grown in large containers, especially dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties:

1. Choosing a Container: Select a large container, at least 18-24 inches in diameter, with good drainage holes. This size allows room for root growth, as cherry trees have fairly deep root systems.
2. Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of soil with added perlite or sand for aeration. You can also mix in compost for additional nutrients.
3. Watering and Fertilization: Container-grown cherry trees dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground, so water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support fruit production.
4. Winter Care for Containers: In colder climates, move the container to a sheltered spot, like a garage, during the winter months to protect the roots from freezing. Alternatively, insulate the container with burlap or bubble wrap.

Additional Tips

1. Soil Drainage and Mulching:

• Drainage: Cherry trees are particularly sensitive to "wet feet" (roots staying in waterlogged soil). If your area has heavy clay or poorly draining soil, consider planting your Lapins cherry on a slight mound (a raised bed or berm) to improve drainage and avoid root rot.
• Mulching: Mulching around the tree helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or bark, will gradually break down and add nutrients to the soil. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.

2. Temperature and Climate Considerations:

• Chill Hours: While Lapins cherry trees are cold-hardy, they also require a certain number of "chill hours" (between 800 and 900 hours at 45°F or below) to set fruit properly. Be mindful of this requirement if you live in an area with mild winters.
• Heat Sensitivity: In hot climates, provide afternoon shade during extreme heat to protect the tree and prevent stress that can affect fruit quality. Avoid planting in locations where the tree is exposed to strong winds, which can cause dehydration.

3. Thinning Fruit: If your Lapins cherry tree produces a very heavy crop, thinning the fruit can improve overall fruit size and quality. Thin out excess cherries when they are about the size of peas, leaving about 6 inches of space between clusters. This reduces stress on the branches and prevents breakage from the weight of too much fruit.

4. Preventing Bird Damage: Birds love cherries and may raid your tree as the fruit ripens. Use bird netting, scare devices (like reflective tape), or even a temporary frame or cage to protect the tree from being stripped of fruit. Installing a net a few weeks before ripening can help ensure your harvest.

5. Avoid Late Spring Frost: Cherry blossoms are vulnerable to frost damage in early spring. If an unexpected frost is predicted during blooming, you can cover the tree with a light sheet or frost cloth overnight to protect the blossoms. Be sure to remove the covering during the day to allow pollinators access to the flowers.

6. Companion Planting: Companion planting can help create a healthy ecosystem around your cherry tree. Marigolds, nasturtiums, or borage can attract beneficial insects and repel pests, while low-growing herbs like chives and lavender can help deter aphids and other pests.

7. Pollination & Increased Yield: Although Lapins cherries are self-pollinating, planting other cherry varieties nearby (such as Bing, Stella, or Rainier) can enhance cross-pollination and result in a larger and better-quality harvest.

8. Protecting Trunk and Bark: Cherry tree bark can be prone to sun scald or cracking in winter. To protect the trunk, especially in young trees, consider wrapping it with tree wrap during the winter months. Remove the wrap in the spring to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause fungal issues.

9. Supporting Heavier Branches: As your tree matures and begins to bear fruit, some branches may become heavy and prone to breaking. If you notice any branches sagging, especially those loaded with fruit, you can use branch supports (such as wooden stakes) to brace them and prevent damage.

10. Pest and Disease Prevention:

• Regular Inspection: Check your tree periodically for early signs of diseases like brown rot or bacterial canker. Prune affected branches immediately and dispose of them away from the garden to reduce the spread of disease.
• Good Air Circulation: Proper pruning and spacing are critical in preventing fungal diseases. Ensure good airflow through the canopy by removing any branches that are crossing or densely packed.
• Copper Fungicide: In areas where bacterial canker or fungal diseases are common, applying a copper fungicide spray in late winter or early spring can prevent infections before they start.

11. Training the Tree for Strong Structure: When young, train your Lapins cherry tree to have a strong framework. Encourage a well-spaced branching pattern by selecting 3-5 main branches (scaffold branches) and pruning the rest. This will promote a balanced structure, which is crucial for supporting fruit as the tree matures.

12. Using Fruit in Multiple Ways: Lapins cherries are excellent for eating fresh, but you can also use them in a variety of ways, such as baking, making jams, or preserving them by freezing or drying. Having multiple uses for your harvest ensures that none of the delicious fruit goes to waste!