In the past cherry trees were very large, up to forty feet high and with similar spread. Although the trees looked magnificent they became increasingly difficult to manage. Since the mid seventies the tree size has been slowly reduced and today the cherry industry is entering a new phase, with smaller trees and new varieties that are easy to pick. Growers have renewed confidence to invest in many new orchards and it is hoped as these orchards come into full bearing, that consumer sales of this popular fruit will continue to increase.