Knowledgebase
Black areas on branches on peach tree #893575
Asked March 04, 2025, 10:15 AM EST
Hello, my peach tree has developed two black areas on its branches. It looks to be breaking the branch apart. How can I tell if this is a virus or cankers. And what would the treatment include. Also, the trunk of the tree is starting to blacken as well.
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension and Jefferson County Master Gardeners.
From the pictures and your description, it does appear that you have canker. Peach trees can be susceptible to cytospora - a fungal pathogen that enters the tree through a wound.
More information can be found here: Cytospora Canker affecting Western Slope Peach Growers – Garfield County Extension
Preventive Control for Cytospora Canker on Peach - 2.954 - Extension
What is most concerning is the canker at the base/trunk of the tree. Eventually, this wound will girdle the tree and cause tree death.
Additionally, the peach tree looks like it may have been infected with peach tree borers.
More information can be found here: Peachtree Borer - 5.566 - Extension
While I do not believe it possible to save the tree between the cankers and possible infestation by borers, the tree may survive and produce a little longer. If you have other trees in the area (stone fruits), I suggest using the peach tree borer traps.
If you would like more information or a site visit ($25/hour) by our Fruit Tree Team, please contact: <personal data hidden>. Please send photos, and put FTT in the subject line.
Thank you,
Jefferson County Horticulture Staff
