Montmorency Cherry Tree Struggling - Ask Extension
I recently planted a Montmorency tart cherry tree in Michigan. The tree thrived from April to May, but in June started to have problems. Leaves be...
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Montmorency Cherry Tree Struggling #648499
Asked June 09, 2020, 6:01 PM EDT
I recently planted a Montmorency tart cherry tree in Michigan. The tree thrived from April to May, but in June started to have problems. Leaves began to turn yellow from the veins outwards, and many leaves look to be partially eaten by insects. There are occasionally ants on the tree and what look to be small webs on branches. I followed the watering instructions, tapering down the water allotment through the season to now watering once a week if it has been dry. The tree is bedded with woodchips. How should I change the tree's regimen in order for it to thrive? Does it require an insecticide or does it look like a fungal problem?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
I am guessing it is a moisture / watering situation, perhaps too much fertilizer, or the tree roots were dried out before planting. It's hard to judge at this point if the tree was in good shape at the time of planting.
First thing to consider is the roots/soil situation. The roots should be in soil, not mulch. The mulch layer should be no thicker than about 5 inches.
The amount of watering should be determined by probing with your finger down about 4 inches into the soil. If the soil is soggy, hold off watering until there is noticeably less moisture but not dry.
If the roots dried out before planting, the tree would be slow about establishing its ability to take up moisture and grow new roots.
If the tree was planted bare roots (not a root ball with dirt) it is a good idea to prune back the limbs by 1/3 at the time of planting.
Another area to consider is fertilizer. If the trees were given too much fertilizer, the salts can burn the roots.
First thing to consider is the roots/soil situation. The roots should be in soil, not mulch. The mulch layer should be no thicker than about 5 inches.
The amount of watering should be determined by probing with your finger down about 4 inches into the soil. If the soil is soggy, hold off watering until there is noticeably less moisture but not dry.
If the roots dried out before planting, the tree would be slow about establishing its ability to take up moisture and grow new roots.
If the tree was planted bare roots (not a root ball with dirt) it is a good idea to prune back the limbs by 1/3 at the time of planting.
Another area to consider is fertilizer. If the trees were given too much fertilizer, the salts can burn the roots.
