A question I get a lot from people who are planning on having their wedding reception at a hotel is, how do I pick cherries from a tall tree? The short answer is that it’s really not all that hard. And, believe me, if you are the bride whose face will be on that tree, you want it to be perfect! So, let’s start with some guidelines.
First of all, when it comes to picking the cherries for your reception, you want to avoid the trees with the green leaves. Green leaves can mean two things, one they’re unhealthy (which cherries definitely are not) and two, they’re not going to last very long. Cattleya trees (one of the most popular varieties) have long leaves that make them extremely unhealthy. They will begin to wilt and die within a year, which means you should avoid them.
Now, we all know what “healthy” means, but it can be different for different types of fruit. When it comes to cherries, however, there are three distinct varieties that you should be aware of. While they may still be pretty young in appearance, they are not necessarily as ripe or sweet tasting as their older relatives, which is why it’s important to keep this information in mind when choosing how to pick cherry from a tall tree. The following should give you an idea of what to look for.
Granny Smith and Royal Gala: These varieties come in late bloom season, so they’re already very ripe when picked. You’ll find that their insides are filled with sweet pulp, but if you don’t like their insides (or their fragrance) you’ll be able to cut off the pit and carve them yourself, which can also be a great project. They have a firm, dense branches that make them ideal for hanging baskets, so they’re a good choice for storing fresh berries inside your home. They’re also a great option for pick cherries from a tall tree, which will keep them out of the way and help you avoid any possible tree damage.
Fujis De Luxe: This is another great variety and only grows in the southern part of the U.S. It is extremely rare, so picking one should be fairly easy. Its insides are quite mild smelling, making it a perfect choice for storing in baskets, and its firm branches provide support when picking how to pick cherries from a tall tree. This is an ideal tree for keeping on a tree stand.
Pruners Needed: If you want to know how to pick cherries from a tall tree, you’ll need to know how to prune. The best time for pruning is summer, since this is when most varieties of cherries ripen. To prune, remove the main branch on top, and then cut down to just below the base. Cut away a few of the lower branches, and then move the tree back towards the setting sun. The next day, cut away more of the lower branches, and then move the tree towards the setting sun again.
Keep In mind, however, that this doesn’t mean you can’t pick any cherries off a tall tree! You just have to know how to do it safely. If you want to eat them, make sure they’re sitting on a safe surface that won’t burn your hand, or touch something harmful. And if you want to freeze them, don’t put them directly into your freezer! Freezing your cherries can cause them to become curdled and mushy, and it’s not really worth the risk.
Once you know how to pick cherries from a tree, you should be able to harvest them in no time. If you’re just getting into making preserves or juice mixes, you might want to buy several varieties. Or if you already have a favorite, store some in the refrigerator for a later date. And always remember to put them in the sun before you freeze them!
