Why does cherry yield vary between years?
Sweet cherry, Prunus avium, is a deciduous fruit tree. Yield reflects flower-bud formation, winter dormancy, spring weather, and pollination. A poor crop in one season does not necessarily mean the tree is becoming old.
Flowering and fertilization
Many sweet cherries are self-incompatible and need a genetically compatible cultivar with overlapping bloom. Self-fertile cultivars also exist, so one rule cannot cover all cherries. Cold, rain, and bee activity during flowering affect set. Rootstock influences canopy size and soil adaptation. A sunny site without standing water supports healthy growth.
Cracking and harvest quality
Rain near maturity can increase cracking in susceptible cultivars; sensitivity depends on genetics and conditions. Water management helps but cannot prevent every split. Cherries do not substantially sweeten after picking, so harvest near eating maturity and gentle cooling are important. Bird netting should avoid trapping wildlife. Pruning timing and cut size must account for disease risk and local climate.