Cherrywood
Recognizing cherrywood
Cherrywood is recognized by:
- Its reddish-brown bark
- Its pyramidal crown
- Its fruit: wild cherry
- Its white flowers
Sites favored by Cherrywood
Definition of a forest site:
zone of varying size across which ecological conditions are the same: climate, relief, geology, soil and natural vegetation.
Temperatures
It likes semi-shaded conditions. The cherrywood is not sensitive to cold temperatures. The species adapts to various low-altitude climate types.
Rainfall
Not very demanding in terms of rainfall and atmospheric humidity. It will adapt in dry months if the soil is able to offset the lack of water.
Soils
It adapts to different soil types. However, it really appreciates deep, non-waterlogged soils. Chalky or flinty soils are not a problem. It can be found up to altitudes of 1,500 meters. One distinguishing factor: likes a lot of light.
Root development of the cork oak
- Root development
- Deep, suckering roots
Cherrywood plantation
| Density | Spacing | Benefits and drawbacks |
| 200-1,100 plants/hectare | From 4 to 6Â meters | Early, abundant fruit. The branches thicken quite quickly. |
Final density: 80-100 stems/hectare
Growth and production of cherrywood
- Rapid growth upwards when the plants are young, then steadier.
- Production of 3-6Â m3/hectare/year (depending on site).
Cherrywood wood
- Pinkish brown heart, veined with thin, white sapwood.
- Easy sawing, dries without cracking or deformation.
- Excellent wood, sought after in joinery.
- Also used in turnery and instrument-making.
- Trade name: Cherrywood
HEALTH
Cherrywood may be affected by bacterial canker and three fungal diseases:
- Monilia
- Anthracnose
- Shot hole disease
Economic view
Cherrywood timber is valuable when it has its optimal qualities; it is highly appreciated in instrument-making and turnery so the acquisition of a cherrywood forest can be a worthwhile investment. Its high-value wood is also sought after in cabinetwork because of its compact texture and its amber color that deepens with age.
It has been used for centuries. In the past, it was used to make everyday furniture. It is still found a lot today in marquetry and traditional-style furniture. It has an excellent reputation but was over-planted at times.
Cherrywood is a noble wood and very demanding as to its site. Forêt Investissement can advise you on the acquisition of a cherrywood forest. There is less demand today than at the end of the last century, but there is still a niche market.