Pink Snow Showers Weeping Cherry Large Trunk Wound and poor flowering - Ask Extension
I am looking for advice on my Pink Snow Showers weeping cherry tree, which was planted around late 2019 or early 2020. I can’t remember.
The tre...
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Pink Snow Showers Weeping Cherry Large Trunk Wound and poor flowering #939419
Asked July 15, 2026, 6:51 PM EDT
I am looking for advice on my Pink Snow Showers weeping cherry tree, which was planted around late 2019 or early 2020. I can’t remember.
The tree has remained green each year, but it has only bloomed once, a few years after it was planted. This year I noticed a large split and decaying area on the trunk that I do not remember seeing before, and I am concerned that the damage may be getting worse.
After researching proper tree care, I recently exposed the root flare, removed loose dead bark only where it came away easily on its own, applied a thin layer of compost around the root zone, and covered the area with mulch while keeping both the compost and mulch away from the trunk. I also removed several small root suckers growing from the exposed roots, so the fresh cuts visible near the base of the tree are from that work and are not part of the original damage.
The tree still has a full canopy of green leaves, and most of the branches appear healthy, although there are a few small dead twigs.
My questions are:
1. Based on these photos, do you believe this tree is likely to survive, or is the trunk damage too severe?
2. Do you have any idea what may have caused the damage to the trunk? Could it be from a harsh winter?
3. Is there anything else I should do at this time, or is monitoring it the best approach?
4. Would you recommend an in-person evaluation by a certified arborist?
5. Do the exposed roots appear normal, or do you see any root issues that should be addressed?
Thank you very much for any advice you can provide.
Montgomery County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Nichole,
I'm so sorry to see a wound like that on such a pretty tree!
You clearly have been doing your research, and the corrections you describe, such as exposing the root flare and adding compost and mulch, are all good ways to provide care for ornamental trees. I'm sorry to say that I do not think they will not be sufficient to overcome the damage the tree is suffering.
You can always get the best information by consulting with an ISA-certified arborist, because they can view the tree in person, take tissue samples, and even monitor over time. However, I will mention a few things that stand out to me from your photos:
1) The tree may have been planted too deeply when it was first put in (or mulched or buried deeply after first planting), and that can cause a cascade of problems over time. Those problems do include bark cracking, and an overall failure to thrive (including not having enough energy to bloom and grow well). For more on this, there is good information at this link: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/.
2) The roots may be encircling the tree - called girdling roots. This can be another effect of being planted too deeply, and leads to roots overlapping each other, and eventually kills the tree. Your photo does show some roots wrapping over each other. You can see a full explanation here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/girdling-roots/
3) You mentioned the tree was trying to grow suckers from the roots. Suckers can sometimes be a sign of stress, although even healthy trees can put out suckers. You can read more about suckering here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-suckers-fruit-ornamental-and-shade-trees.
If you are interested in finding an ISA-certified arborist in your area, there is a directory here: https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/
I wish I could provide better news about your weeping cherry. Please let us know if you have further questions.
Best,
I'm so sorry to see a wound like that on such a pretty tree!
You clearly have been doing your research, and the corrections you describe, such as exposing the root flare and adding compost and mulch, are all good ways to provide care for ornamental trees. I'm sorry to say that I do not think they will not be sufficient to overcome the damage the tree is suffering.
You can always get the best information by consulting with an ISA-certified arborist, because they can view the tree in person, take tissue samples, and even monitor over time. However, I will mention a few things that stand out to me from your photos:
1) The tree may have been planted too deeply when it was first put in (or mulched or buried deeply after first planting), and that can cause a cascade of problems over time. Those problems do include bark cracking, and an overall failure to thrive (including not having enough energy to bloom and grow well). For more on this, there is good information at this link: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/.
2) The roots may be encircling the tree - called girdling roots. This can be another effect of being planted too deeply, and leads to roots overlapping each other, and eventually kills the tree. Your photo does show some roots wrapping over each other. You can see a full explanation here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/girdling-roots/
3) You mentioned the tree was trying to grow suckers from the roots. Suckers can sometimes be a sign of stress, although even healthy trees can put out suckers. You can read more about suckering here: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/managing-suckers-fruit-ornamental-and-shade-trees.
If you are interested in finding an ISA-certified arborist in your area, there is a directory here: https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/
I wish I could provide better news about your weeping cherry. Please let us know if you have further questions.
Best,
