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Spots on new Black Cherry tree leaves #877734

Asked July 18, 2024, 8:04 AM EDT

I received 2 trees from the Rochester Hills "Canopy" program. This is a Black Cherry. I planted it on April 26 and it has been growing pretty well but some of the leaves have dark spots on them. I have been watering it every other day if it doesn't rain (I haven't had to manually water it very much this spring/summer!) I have been spraying it with BAYER ADVANCED 3-IN-1 INSECT, DISEASE & MITE CONTROL, READY-TO-USE SPRAY but new leaves still have the spots on them. Do I need to be concerned about the condition of the leaves? What should I treat this condition with?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Mark,
This looks like a fungal infection called "cherry leaf spot."
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cherry_leaf_spot_get_an_early_start_on_protection_before_the_fungus_gets_st
While the article refers to orchard cherries, this can also affect black cherry trees that grow in the forest. 
The article mentions using a fungicide early in the year to prevent infection. 
This year has been very wet (rainy) and almost consistently humid. Most fungal diseases are thriving in this weather. In drier years, this will likely be less of an issue. 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. 
Thank you,
-Julie
Julie Crick Replied July 19, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT

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