Many cherry growing regions have already experienced several ground frosts this winter.
This suggests that sufficient chill hours, or chill portions, might be attained in order to help set a good cherry crop this season.
Californian experience
California last season (2014) had the lowest cherry crop since 1998. It is interesting to note there was a lack of chill hours last season.
This coming season while much improved, also shows signs of poor set in some areas, but this time related to record heat during blossoming.
The ongoing drought in California has reduced water allocations by 25 per cent.
Plan for changing weather
For future plantings here, it may be worthwhile considering planting cherry varieties with a lower chill requirement.
Your bank manager might be pleased that you are hedging against some risk in order to return a guaranteed portion of your crop in seasons that may be affected by climate shift.
Check with your nursery supplier or on the web and find out which cultivars might suit your area and climate.
Considerations when planning
When planning future cherry blocks, assess your needs in relation to trees per hectare, training systems and the likelihood for netting or rain covers.
Each microclimate has a differing requirement in terms of risk.
Take a look at the years when there was significant crop damage, how frequently did they occur? Work out a probable cost–benefit analysis of an annual hire charge for installation of nets and/or rain covers to help you make decisions.
The year you delay could be the one that does the greatest financial damage.
See this article in Tree Fruit June 2015
