Cherry Tree Help Needed

[gardenmom]

Hello, I'm in Southeastern PA. We're in a new house and the kids just noticed we have a cherry tree yesterday. It didn't flower out this spring much so I thought it was just in a bad spot. I also thought it was an ornamental variety. We've got several trees in a small yard. We were surprised that there were fruits on the tree facing some good sun. They're orangy red with a little yellow, like a Ranier variety.

So, is there any way you could suggest I identify the variety? I don't want to presume they're edible. The kids are hoping they are the sweet kind. How do I get the fruit off the tree? I know it should be a simple concept, but the tree hasn't been cared for and most of the fruit is well out of reasonable reach. I don't think the previous owners knew about it. They didn't mention it.

Where can I find information on caring for a cherry tree? Fertilization, pruning, diseases to worry about, etc? I'm pretty comfortable with perennials and annuals, but not fruit trees. This is a first.

I'd love any information you could send my way.

TIA

 

[fwf]

To get cherries from a tree, you have to be faster and smarter than the birds. Birds love them. Just when you think "they are almost ready", they will disappear overnight.

As for care, I will defer to one of the arborists for that information. Our cherry trees are in a forest and receive no special care.

 

[gardenmom]

Good point about the birds. My next door neighbor is newly moved in too and she was wondering why we seemed to have so many birds around. Now we know

 

[treeseer]

Spread a sheet under it and shake the limbs to get the fruit. I never heard of a poison cherry tree. For ID, post pictures here or go to your county ag ext.