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Fruiting issue on Lapins cherry tree #868739

Asked May 16, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT

Hello! I have a 5 or 6 year old Lapins cherry tree which looks healthy with great foliage, but every summer the absolute majority of the cherries just fade away. I haven't done a good job fertilizing this tree but I'm not sure if this fruiting behavior is because of lack of care, a disease or some sort of pest. Any ideas?


Thank you in advance! 

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Adding a JPG file instead of HEIC.

The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2024, 2:33 PM EDT
Thank you for your question and the photo, Anna.  We can't provide a definitive diagnosis with just this information, but I suspect your tree has the following nutritional problem:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-june-drop

As you can see, there are many causes, including lack of fertilization (which you can impact); the weather (which we can't); and pollination (although Lapins are self-pollinating).  This article has information about fertilization, which may be the primary cause.  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/berries-fruit/fertilizing-fruit-trees   I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
The information looks very helpful. Thank you!

Kindly,

Anna

On Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:46:51 AM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 6:51 PM EDT
Welcome!  Do you have grass around the tree?  Most grass fertilizer is mostly nitrogen, which stimulates foliage.  A more balanced fertilizer has phosphorus and potassium as well.  That may be why your tree's leaves look good, and this drop happens.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2024, 6:55 PM EDT

Thank you for the follow up question! There is a layer of wood chips around the tree but grass has started growing in it the last couple of years. However, I don't use grass fertilizer either. I just got a soil test kit to learn more about the soil and what fertilizer and amount to use.

The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 7:13 PM EDT
Good!  Just a heads up.  The DIY soil kits are not as reliable as labs, whose testing doesn't cost much more.  And, for a few dollars more, they can recommend specific nutrients to add for the "target" plant species.  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-8677-analytical-laboratories-serving-oregon
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2024, 7:26 PM EDT

This is great info! All the way to how to take a soil sample. Thank you! 

The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 11:21 PM EDT
Welcome!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2024, 11:22 PM EDT

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