Cherry tree lost all its leaves - Ask Extension
My cherry trees grew many green leaves and blossoms this spring. Then the leaves started thinning (see picture of thinned out green leaves) then what ...
Knowledgebase
Cherry tree lost all its leaves #797109
Asked June 21, 2022, 5:12 PM EDT
My cherry trees grew many green leaves and blossoms this spring. Then the leaves started thinning (see picture of thinned out green leaves) then what leaves were left turned greenish brown (second picture). Now there are no leaves on the tree. What do you think is happening?
Wexford County Michigan
Expert Response
This does not look like a plant disease or insect problem directly affecting the leaves.
Have herbicides or heavy doses of fertilizer been applied recently in the vicinity of the tree?
If the trunk of the tree has been damage by cold winter or by boring insects, this would cause stress to the tree.
If the tree is relatively young and growing in sand it may be the tree has been suffering from drought stress.
If the soil pH is alkaline (high pH) this can result in chlorosis (yellowing) between the veins of the leaves. Likewise magnesium deficiency can cause chlorosis.
You will need to do some sleuthing to narrow down the possibilities given above.
Have herbicides or heavy doses of fertilizer been applied recently in the vicinity of the tree?
If the trunk of the tree has been damage by cold winter or by boring insects, this would cause stress to the tree.
If the tree is relatively young and growing in sand it may be the tree has been suffering from drought stress.
If the soil pH is alkaline (high pH) this can result in chlorosis (yellowing) between the veins of the leaves. Likewise magnesium deficiency can cause chlorosis.
You will need to do some sleuthing to narrow down the possibilities given above.
