Cherry Tree Problem? - Ask Extension
Hi! My cherry tree has purple/brown spots on some of the leaves and a few have turned yellow. What is this and how do I treat it? The tree is about 3 ...
Knowledgebase
Cherry Tree Problem? #875167
Asked June 28, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT
Hi! My cherry tree has purple/brown spots on some of the leaves and a few have turned yellow. What is this and how do I treat it? The tree is about 3 years old and bore one (its first!) cherry this year
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Madison,
You tree has brown or cherry leaf spot which is a fungus. The leaves turn yellow just as the pictures you sent in. Remove the leaves and put in the garbage. Pick up any leaves on the ground. Sanitation is important.
Your tree looks young and healthy but you have too many limbs growing from the center and that inhibits airflow. Lack of airflow is often a prime reason the fungus can grow.
I am sending a link on pruning fruit trees for your review: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw400
I am also linking a publication on Cherry Leaf Spot
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cherry-leaf-spot
This last publication suggests spraying with fungicides. Your tree looks very healthy. I suggest you hold off on any sprays but watch the tree growth carefully. Removing all the diseased leaves by hand right now will reduce the spread of the disease. Pick up any on the ground too.
When pruning the tree, make sure you clean the pruners EVERY TIME YOU PRUNE. Use a bucket with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and dip the pruners in it each time you cut leaving them in for at least 30 seconds. This kills the spores and does not allow them to transfer to the next limb.
Put 4 or 5 inches of compost around the tree leaving a 6 inch space between the tree and the compost. The compost will help keep the roots cool during the summer and the water from evaporating quickly.
Thank you for contacting us, if you have further questions, please send them in.
You tree has brown or cherry leaf spot which is a fungus. The leaves turn yellow just as the pictures you sent in. Remove the leaves and put in the garbage. Pick up any leaves on the ground. Sanitation is important.
Your tree looks young and healthy but you have too many limbs growing from the center and that inhibits airflow. Lack of airflow is often a prime reason the fungus can grow.
I am sending a link on pruning fruit trees for your review: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw400
I am also linking a publication on Cherry Leaf Spot
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cherry-leaf-spot
This last publication suggests spraying with fungicides. Your tree looks very healthy. I suggest you hold off on any sprays but watch the tree growth carefully. Removing all the diseased leaves by hand right now will reduce the spread of the disease. Pick up any on the ground too.
When pruning the tree, make sure you clean the pruners EVERY TIME YOU PRUNE. Use a bucket with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and dip the pruners in it each time you cut leaving them in for at least 30 seconds. This kills the spores and does not allow them to transfer to the next limb.
Put 4 or 5 inches of compost around the tree leaving a 6 inch space between the tree and the compost. The compost will help keep the roots cool during the summer and the water from evaporating quickly.
Thank you for contacting us, if you have further questions, please send them in.
