What is wrong with our Fuji Cherry tree? - Ask Extension
We have two Fuji cherry trees planted about 20 feet apart. Same soil and exposure and both are getting water. One is healthy and the other is sufferi...
Knowledgebase
What is wrong with our Fuji Cherry tree? #874117
Asked June 21, 2024, 4:51 PM EDT
We have two Fuji cherry trees planted about 20 feet apart. Same soil and exposure and both are getting water. One is healthy and the other is suffering. We don’t know what to do to save this tree.
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
It looks like the whole tree is declining, which likely means that there is an issue with the roots or main trunk. Unfortunately, cherries are susceptible to many problems and diseases, so it could be a number of potential issues. There are canker diseases (you could look for a sunken or gumming area on the trunk), or there could also be a root rotting disease. Often these types of problems will become most apparent at this time of year when the weather warms up and the plant isn't able to move water to the leaves, causing wilting symptoms, which you seem to have along with the yellowing.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-phytophthora-root-rot
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-fungal-cankers
I wish I had better news, but unfortunately, when there is a major issue with the roots or main trunk and the whole tree is declining there isn't normally a way to reverse it. Applying a lot of water could exacerbate the issue, especially if it is root rot. If there are not healthy roots remaining then the tree will die. When did you notice the issue? Were there any problems last year? Are you noticing any suckering at the base of the tree?
Thank you for using Ask Extension-
It looks like the whole tree is declining, which likely means that there is an issue with the roots or main trunk. Unfortunately, cherries are susceptible to many problems and diseases, so it could be a number of potential issues. There are canker diseases (you could look for a sunken or gumming area on the trunk), or there could also be a root rotting disease. Often these types of problems will become most apparent at this time of year when the weather warms up and the plant isn't able to move water to the leaves, causing wilting symptoms, which you seem to have along with the yellowing.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-phytophthora-root-rot
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cherry-prunus-spp-fungal-cankers
I wish I had better news, but unfortunately, when there is a major issue with the roots or main trunk and the whole tree is declining there isn't normally a way to reverse it. Applying a lot of water could exacerbate the issue, especially if it is root rot. If there are not healthy roots remaining then the tree will die. When did you notice the issue? Were there any problems last year? Are you noticing any suckering at the base of the tree?
Thank you for using Ask Extension-
Thank you . We only recently noticed this. There are no suckers at the base of the tree but there are many suckers from both trees (we have two) along the areas where the roots run. The tree has been in for approximately three years and done very well. It was very large when we bought it. It has been frankly difficult to control their growth! But this year we have not had to trim anything from that one tree to keep its shape but the other seems to want to take over! Both bloomed equally this spring.
I will check the irrigation for that tree and see if it is too much and hope
For the best plus read your links.
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Suzanne
You're welcome, best of luck with your tree.
