Canadian cherry tree problems - Ask Extension
My 5 year-old full grown Canadian cherry (Chokecherry) has some issues that I need advice on. See photos
1) 3 of the lowest branches have died with ...
Knowledgebase
Canadian cherry tree problems #870609
Asked May 29, 2024, 2:58 PM EDT
My 5 year-old full grown Canadian cherry (Chokecherry) has some issues that I need advice on. See photos
1) 3 of the lowest branches have died with the leaves completely dead.
2) there is sap on trunk in various places.
3) trunk has split and is opening up in at least 2 places
The other upper branches of the tree seem to be healthy. It’s located in full sun and receives plenty of water as it’s next to a lawn.
Thanks,
Dan Arrowood
Boulder
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Dan,
Is the split in the bark on the South or South/West side of the tree? Does the tree get much winter sunshine? Is the split new to the tree this year? Are the dead branches below the area with the split?
From the picture the split in the bark looks alot like sunscald. Sunscald is damage that occurs during cold, bright day sin midwinter. It can also happen on the north side of trees due to reflection off of white/light colored structures immediately adjacent to the tree.
The good news is that a vigorous healthy tree can survive a sunscal injury if it is able to grow inner bark on the edges of the split. The sap appears to be coming from damage on the bark adjacent to the split which based on the picture looks like bacterial wetwood which happens due to bark injury.
It's hard to know for sure from pictures though. You're welcome to bring in samples for diagnosis.
Samples can be brought into the office for diagnosis 8-4:30, Monday through Friday.
I hope this helps,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Is the split in the bark on the South or South/West side of the tree? Does the tree get much winter sunshine? Is the split new to the tree this year? Are the dead branches below the area with the split?
From the picture the split in the bark looks alot like sunscald. Sunscald is damage that occurs during cold, bright day sin midwinter. It can also happen on the north side of trees due to reflection off of white/light colored structures immediately adjacent to the tree.
The good news is that a vigorous healthy tree can survive a sunscal injury if it is able to grow inner bark on the edges of the split. The sap appears to be coming from damage on the bark adjacent to the split which based on the picture looks like bacterial wetwood which happens due to bark injury.
It's hard to know for sure from pictures though. You're welcome to bring in samples for diagnosis.
Samples can be brought into the office for diagnosis 8-4:30, Monday through Friday.
I hope this helps,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
