Knowledgebase
Mature Weeping Cherry Tree needs help! #859515
Asked February 20, 2024, 3:51 PM EST
My weeping cherry tree is in need of pruning and I do not know where to start. There are a lot of large dead limbs as you can see in the pictures. I need direction in what needs to be done to save my favorite tree. There is also sap looking stuff coming from it up high. I can only send a couple pics, if you need more, please let me know. Thanks
Madison County Kentucky
Expert Response
Hello. I have consulted our Horticulture Agent Amanda Sears:
When pruning, we don’t want to take more than 20% of the total canopy at a time. That can be tricky when we have trees that have not been pruned in a few years.Any part of the tree that is dead needs to be removed first. That will not count towards that 20%.
Then remove anything that looks damaged.
Next remove any branches that are rubbing against one another. As the tree is large, just focus on the worst offenders.
By the time you have removed that much from the tree it should open up the canopy quite a bit and help with air flow.
From the pic it looks like there is insect borer damage. That can stress the tree greatly. I would recommend using an insecticide. There is a product called Bio Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. It is a drench you pour around the base of the tree. The tree takes it up and it kills insects that live inside it. I would not recommend this product if it was a fruit tree where you were harvesting the fruit, but since it is an ornamental, I think it would be very helpful.
As for the gummy material, it is called gummosis and it is the tree’s reaction to stress. This publication explains things well. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2011/7-13/gummosis.html
This time of year (late winter/early spring) is a good time to fertilize trees. You could use 2 lbs of 10-10-10 around the base of the tree.
I can’t tell from the photo but does the tree have mulch around it? If not, it would benefit from a couple of inches. Don’t pile it up on the tree trunk and be sure to spread it out quite aways from the trunk of the tree.
Finally, if we turn dry in summer and fall, you should plan on watering it. Trees need an inch of water a week.
If you have any other questions, please email me at <personal data hidden> or call our office at<personal data hidden>.
