Knowledgebase

Is this gummosis? #886876

Asked October 01, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT

A cherry tree is covered in gummy bear like secretions. Should I be worried about the tree?

Champaign County Ohio

Expert Response

From your photo it does look like your cherry tree has gummosis, which is not a disease, but the description of the symptoms arising from plant stress.  The stress can be caused by mechanical injury, herbicides, pests, or diseases.

Here's a publication from Iowa State University Extension that details some of the causes of gummosis:
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2011/7-13/gummosis.html

Washington State University of Extension offers these management options:

  • Provide proper culture to maintain a steady growth rate. Avoid over-fertilization or other practices which produce large amounts of soft growth or sudden growth spurts.
  • Control diseases which cause gumming.
  • Prune or cut out disease cankers.
  • Prevent injury to trunks and branches when possible. Sunscald can be prevented by shading or whitewashing trunks.
Good luck with your cherry tree.


Karen E Replied October 01, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT

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