Daybreak Cherry Soil Requirements

Best Planting Sites

• The best planting sites for Daybreak cherries are in full sun, allowing every part of the tree access to sunlight for the majority of the day. These trees may become lopsided if one part of the tree receives more sunlight than another. The best plantings are ornamental specimens away from buildings, other trees and walls.

Create Well Draining Soil

• Cherries of all kinds require well-draining soil. Daybreak can tolerate some clay and even sandy soils as long as it drains well. Create an area where Daybreak can thrive by amending a 10-foot circle with well-rotted compost. Plow compost deep into the soil, as deeply as possible. It is better to use too much compost than not enough. If in doubt, water the area thoroughly and check for standing moisture an hour later.

Soil Testing and pH

• Before planting your Daybreak cherry, send a soil sample to your local University extension. The ideal soil pH for Daybreak is between 5.5 and 7.0, but Daybreak prefers acidic soil whenever possible. You can lower the pH of the soil by amending it with lime. But in many cases, you will need to check the pH yearly and apply additional lime to maintain the acidity.

Planting Cherries

• Plant your Daybreak cherry by opening a hole in the center of your 10-foot amended area with a shovel. Dig the hole deep enough that the root ball will sit at the same level it was at the nursery. Backfill around the tree and mulch it with an organic mulch such as leaf compost or pine needles. Water Daybreak to a depth of 12 inches. Repeat when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Daybreak will not tolerate drought conditions, especially during its first year.