Did solar panels bend my cherry tree limbs? - Ask Extension
First, no hate on solar panels. Love solar energy. BUT, my neighbor's home is very close to the west side of mine and the roof where their solar panel...
Knowledgebase
Did solar panels bend my cherry tree limbs? #873848
Asked June 19, 2024, 7:47 PM EDT
First, no hate on solar panels. Love solar energy. BUT, my neighbor's home is very close to the west side of mine and the roof where their solar panels sit is several feet (10 or so) lower than the top of my house (garden level basement). This causes an intense glare from the sun to reflect on the back of my house certain times of the day. The interior photo was taken in the kitchen, which is to the left of the window above the deck in the photo. Luckily I have ceramic roof tiles and asbestos shingle siding, so I haven't had any heat damage to the house. I have a 8-9 year-old healthy cherry tree between the houses that I have tried to keep well-pruned. This year, the limbs had a growth spurt, then bent over so much that now they are actually touching the ground. There are hardly any offshoots on the limbs (although it is PACKED with cherries!). I'm wondering if the intense heat from the solar panels may be the culprit. What do you think?
Umatilla County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Roberta,
Have you perhaps over watered or over fertilized your trees the past few years? This can cause excessive growth. It looks like you may need to do some summer pruning this year after harvest to reduce tree growth. I would also recommend light pruning this winter. The heavy crop your tree set this year will also reduce next year's growth to some extent.
I do not believe that the solar panels are effecting your tree. I think this is likely a horticultural issue.
Have you perhaps over watered or over fertilized your trees the past few years? This can cause excessive growth. It looks like you may need to do some summer pruning this year after harvest to reduce tree growth. I would also recommend light pruning this winter. The heavy crop your tree set this year will also reduce next year's growth to some extent.
I do not believe that the solar panels are effecting your tree. I think this is likely a horticultural issue.
