Patio Cherry tree

[fartalot]

how do i prune my patio cherry tree? Many thanks in advance

[Thunderbird+]

Now, summer time is the best time to start pruning.
As it's a patio cherry perhaps in a pot keeping it small is most important.
Firstly look for the 3 d's Dead, Damaged, & Diseased Wood and prune that out with your secautres.
As your tree is likely to be grafted onto a wild cherry, prune anything back cleanly below the graft mark (usually a bulge on the stem) If it's a standard you have, this should be found just below the crown, where it branches out, or if it's a columnar type it will be lower down close to the ground,sucker growth should be cut back in either case.

Now distinguish the differance between 'leading shoots' (long whippy ones) and the 'lateral bud's and branches' (short stubby buds or spurs) The latter are the flower producing material which you want to keep.
It's also a good idea to cut out any crossing branches that may rub and cause damage, also any congested branches in the middle to improve air circulation whilst maintaining the over all shape of the tree.
Any small buds thet may form along the stem can easily be removed by rubbing with your thumb but prune back anything that looks vigorous and upright,as these will soon turn into strong leading shoots. Good Luck. Tbird+