Knowledgebase
Rehabilitating a possibly sick Cherry tree #872329
Asked June 09, 2024, 9:02 PM EDT
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
I would need close ups of some branches to know for sure but you may have scale. https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/ornamental-cherry-scales/ See the white bumps on a selection of your photo.
The tree has been neglected, pruning in winter would help remove dead wood but I have a feeling the tree is seriously ill with old age (dwarf tarts cherries last about 15 years) or some disease in the trunk. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/buffalo/Heart%20Rot%20in%20Trees%20November%2015%202014.pdf
A close up of the base of the tree where it enters the ground might be helpful.
This would also be a good time to get the opinion of an arborist.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional