High frequency furrow irrigation can achieve tree growth and yield responses similar to trickle irrigation on sweet cherry trees. Daily surge flow furrow irrigations from 1982 through 1986 were scheduled based on daily pan evaporation. Application efficiencies were near 80% and soil erosion was minimal even though slopes were in excess of 3%. This technique is potentially a low cost alternative to solid-set microirrigation or sprinkle systems in widely-spaced perennial crops. The method is limited to lands normally suited to surface irrigation, but requires automation and careful system management.