New cherry tree dying quickly - Ask Extension
Hi!
Last year we planted 2 Akebono flowering cherry trees near our home last year. They've looked great until about 2 weeks ago. The one started to l...
Knowledgebase
New cherry tree dying quickly #339830
Asked July 05, 2016, 10:29 PM EDT
Hi!
Last year we planted 2 Akebono flowering cherry trees near our home last year. They've looked great until about 2 weeks ago. The one started to look a little different. The (now) brown leaf cherry didn't seem to have as many leaves as the green one in photo1 (but the leaves were ALL still green last week). In the last 3 days they've turned almost completely brown! Only a little bit of green remains on some of the leaves (photo 2, 3) Help! Is there anything I can do to save this poor cherry?
And I just cut all the new growth at the base of each cherry tree today. Hopefully that was ok to do that. They popped up quickly in the last 5-7 days.
I look forward to your reply.
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
Based on your photos it looks like the cherry tree failed to establish itself. It is okay to prune the suckers around the base of the healthy tree. The tree with brown leaves should be removed. You may want to replace with another species of tree. It is good to have diversity in your landscape so you do not lose to an insect or disease issue. In general cherry trees are not long lived.
Usually when a tree declines in the first year of planting it is not a disease or insect issue. It can be cultural (planting techniques) a site (poor drainage, poor soil, etc.) or environmental problem. Looks like the tree has a root issue. You should be able to see the flare at the base of the trunk where it joins the root system. Make sure mulch is no thicker than several inches and keep away from the base of the trunk. If not visible then it may have been planted too deeply or may have excessive mulch around the base of the trunk. This can stress the tree, reduces soil aeration, and causes decline. See our publication on these types of problems http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/HG86%20Common%20Abio...
Also, see our website for information on planting trees and shrubs and care. http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/trees-and-shrubs/selection-purchasing-planting-and-care
mh
Usually when a tree declines in the first year of planting it is not a disease or insect issue. It can be cultural (planting techniques) a site (poor drainage, poor soil, etc.) or environmental problem. Looks like the tree has a root issue. You should be able to see the flare at the base of the trunk where it joins the root system. Make sure mulch is no thicker than several inches and keep away from the base of the trunk. If not visible then it may have been planted too deeply or may have excessive mulch around the base of the trunk. This can stress the tree, reduces soil aeration, and causes decline. See our publication on these types of problems http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/HG86%20Common%20Abio...
Also, see our website for information on planting trees and shrubs and care. http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/trees-and-shrubs/selection-purchasing-planting-and-care
mh
