Cherry Tree Damage - Ask Extension
Last summer, I noticed some cracks in the bark of my young cherry tree with sap oozing from them. This year the cracks are still there (see picture) a...
Knowledgebase
Cherry Tree Damage #871509
Asked June 04, 2024, 11:58 AM EDT
Last summer, I noticed some cracks in the bark of my young cherry tree with sap oozing from them. This year the cracks are still there (see picture) and have not healed. It looks as if there are some holes where insects have bored in. Are these caused by an insect or sun scalding, winter freezing or some combination. What can I do to save this tree?
Hood River County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out.
A couple of questions-
I believe the damage to the tree is two part- has it been hit while mowing, or a dog/ critter chewed on it? The bark damage looks consistent with one of those causes.
Form there the oozing is typical of bacterial blights, the wounds to the tree gives them a point to get in, from there the damage spreads.
The insect -type damage, have you seen any beetles or pests present?
I may have knicked it weed wacking but not to the extent and as high up as the damage is. I have not seen any pests present. How can I fix it?
unfortunately if it is bacterial blight, and is affecting the main trunk like that, you don't have many options. When it is on branches, we recommend removing all infected wood. On the trunk that means the tree, however.
