I have read differing opinions on when to prune a cherry tree. Some say summer to prevent certain disease and other say when the tree is dormant. Yet other opinions suggest in the spring after they first bud. I recently purchased this home with a mature cherry tree and not having see the fruit, I do not know what kind of cherry it is. However, I do want to keep the size and shape of it from getting out of control while continuing to produce fruit. Without having to call in an Arborist or professional to prune it, does anyone know, "really" know when the best time of year is to do this? I've become confused about it all. Thanks in advance for your help.

Pruning cherries in mid-winter is a bad idea. Pruning too early in winter can make trees vulnerable to diseases like silver-leaf and cankers. Cherry trees should be pruned during the growing season after bud break. Young trees in the spring so that they can be trained to desired shape, older trees can be pruned then as well or later after harvest.