What to do with this chokecherry? - Ask Extension
I had a large overgrown chokecherry shrub that had over 40 woody stems about 3" thick. Last fall I cut it back to about 8" above the ground. Now I h...
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What to do with this chokecherry? #875277
Asked June 29, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT
I had a large overgrown chokecherry shrub that had over 40 woody stems about 3" thick. Last fall I cut it back to about 8" above the ground. Now I have a thicket of many thin flexible stems about 5' tall. A further complication is that they seem to be covered with powdery mildew. I would like to have a decent looking shrub if possible. Is there a way for this to develop in to a normal looking chokecherry? What are my options? If I can't achieve that, how would you suggest getting rid of it? I think it has a complex extended root system because it's sending up suckers 20" away. Thank you.
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Dear Mr. Hankin,
Thank you for your question and the enclosed pictures. A Chokecherry tree is a bush want-to-be. By topping of the tree, you got yourself a bush full of water sprouts, which are weaker growth on a tree. Chokecherries are also prone to Powdery Mildew. This can be caused by lack of air circulation in you newly formed bush.
For culture controls your bush may benefit by selectively pruning out some of the dense growth. By doing this you open up the canopy for air circulation. Cut out the most severely effect limbs. Do not compost these cuttings, dispose of them in the trash. It is also important to avoid overhead watering
If cultural controls do not seem to be working, there are many products you can use like neem oil, product with triforine and potassium bicarbonate listed. Attached is an CSU fact sheet on Powdery Mildew.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/powdery-mildews-2-902/
Please read through. Other options are to clear the area and plant another bush of your choosing. However, looking at your pictures that would be a big job.
I hope this was helpful and wish you luck,
Boulder County MG
Thank you for your question and the enclosed pictures. A Chokecherry tree is a bush want-to-be. By topping of the tree, you got yourself a bush full of water sprouts, which are weaker growth on a tree. Chokecherries are also prone to Powdery Mildew. This can be caused by lack of air circulation in you newly formed bush.
For culture controls your bush may benefit by selectively pruning out some of the dense growth. By doing this you open up the canopy for air circulation. Cut out the most severely effect limbs. Do not compost these cuttings, dispose of them in the trash. It is also important to avoid overhead watering
If cultural controls do not seem to be working, there are many products you can use like neem oil, product with triforine and potassium bicarbonate listed. Attached is an CSU fact sheet on Powdery Mildew.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/powdery-mildews-2-902/
Please read through. Other options are to clear the area and plant another bush of your choosing. However, looking at your pictures that would be a big job.
I hope this was helpful and wish you luck,
Boulder County MG
