Cherry tree’s in flower dance their way across spring to come into fruit in early summer. Backyard growers often ignore pruning, not wanting to deprive the tree of some of its magic. Proper pruning, however, not only increases the tree’s productivity but also improves the quality of its fruit and the number of its flowers. Appropriate trimming opens up the tree canopy to light, critical for cherry blossom development and optimal cherry set, flavor and quality
Prune cherry trees in late winter or early spring. When buds are poised to break is the ideal moment to prune, according to Aggie Horticulture -- just as the cherry blossom buds begin to swell. Pruning at this time encourages rapid healing rather than allowing wounds to remain open for an extended period of time; it also avoids winter injury.
Adopt good pruning habits that encourage cuts to heal quickly on your cherry tree, preventing disease and insect infection. Make cuts flush with the adjacent branch without leaving stubs. Angle horizontal cuts so that water runs off the cut surface. Use cherry "wound compounds" for aesthetic reasons, but realize that they do not promote healing.