Help, my cherry tree is declining and I do not know why. - Ask Extension
Hi kcarter,
My cherry tree is approximately 25 - 30 years old and was thriving but over the past few years it has lost its foliage and its limbs no ...
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Help, my cherry tree is declining and I do not know why. #792614
Asked May 25, 2022, 2:21 PM EDT
Hi kcarter,
My cherry tree is approximately 25 - 30 years old and was thriving but over the past few years it has lost its foliage and its limbs no longer look healthy. We had it professionally fertilized two years ago when we started noticing it’s decline. Can you advise on what is wrong with the tree? Is it worth saving? It was once so beautiful. I’ll send pictures with this email. I have other pictures available. Let me know if you need them.
Thank you and Go Hokies,
Karen
Henrico County Virginia
Expert Response
Leaf spot is a problem on Cherry trees. There are two leaf spot diseases-Cherry Leaf Spot or Cercospora Leaf Spot. Both of these look like the pictures of your Cherry tree.
For Cherry Leaf Spot, fungicide applications are recommended at regular intervals starting when the leaves first become mature and going through the summer.
Cercospora Leaf Spot is another possibility. This is controlled with preventative fungicide treatment at leaf emergence. Typically their spots begin with a purple color.
It is important to rake and remove any fallen leaves-this helps prevent either disease from spreading.
When purchasing a fungicide, make sure it is labeled for use on Cherry trees and for Cherry Leaf Spot and Cercospora Leaf Spot.
Neem Oil and Potassium bicarbonate can be used for either Cherry Leaf Spot or Cercospora. Read and follow all label directions before using any pesticide.
For Cherry Leaf Spot, fungicide applications are recommended at regular intervals starting when the leaves first become mature and going through the summer.
Cercospora Leaf Spot is another possibility. This is controlled with preventative fungicide treatment at leaf emergence. Typically their spots begin with a purple color.
It is important to rake and remove any fallen leaves-this helps prevent either disease from spreading.
When purchasing a fungicide, make sure it is labeled for use on Cherry trees and for Cherry Leaf Spot and Cercospora Leaf Spot.
Neem Oil and Potassium bicarbonate can be used for either Cherry Leaf Spot or Cercospora. Read and follow all label directions before using any pesticide.
Quick follow up,
Please note: The first two pictures were from last week and the last picture of the leaves was an older picture from last October when the leave turned and started falling.
It sounds Iike if we use the fungicide that the tree might be saved.
Thank you for your help,
Karen
Good Morning,
Wanted to follow up with your comment on fungicides for your cherry tree. Yes, all fruit trees in this area are best grown with preventative fungicide applications for best results because of our climate here in central Virginia. Good luck with that!
Wanted to follow up with your comment on fungicides for your cherry tree. Yes, all fruit trees in this area are best grown with preventative fungicide applications for best results because of our climate here in central Virginia. Good luck with that!
