The Joel bush cherry is a new variety on a bush like frame that ripens in August so it is less likely to be eaten by birds and is also a disease and pest resistant sour cherry. You did not mention where you live but this cherry is good in zones 3 to 8 and the fruit turning black could mean and early fall frost or the high heat of August once the fruit forms. I suggest you harvest the cherries as soon as they turn red to gather them before they turn black. This is a tart cherry for pies so do not expect them to stay on the shrub and sweeten up. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti