Weeping Cherry Tree Problems

calabashjoe

I planted a weeping cherry in my front yard almost three years ago. I live in southeast NC, USA. the tree has not grown at all and now has long splits going up the tree all around the length of the tree. the splits are about two to five inches long and some are oozing a black tar like substance. is there any hope for this tree or should I dig it up. I would like to try to save this tree because it is a memorial for my son.

Thank you, Joe C

Eric Frei

Just one thread thanks.

Also some pics please.

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Eric Frei

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AmyMisz

I have two weeping cherry trees in the backyard in Sydney Australia. Both have some damage at a bough juncture as pictured - the scrath mark is from from tool. The damaged material came away easily, is very light and almost web like - also pictured. Appreciate in advance any advice - thank you

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Brent Ferris

July 18th, on another thread - Why is my weeping cherry weeping sap,
Ekka responded


I found this, well written.

Quote:
There are three groups of organisms that can cause cankers on cherries and result in a gummosis response. One is a bacteria in the genus Pseudomonas which causes a disease known as bacterial canker. Another is a fungus in the genus Leucostoma (Cytospora) that causes Leucostoma canker of Prunus. The third is usually called fungal gummosis and is caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. It is not important in a practical sense to identify the specific organisms involved but, it is important from a diagnostic point of view to differentiate between insect infestation, mechanical injury, and infectious disease. In all three of the diseases listed above, the key diagnostic feature is the canker.

A canker is a necrotic (dead), often sunken lesion on a stem, branch, or twig of a plant. In the case of gum bleeding from the trunk of a cherry tree, a canker can be identified by the death of tissue immediately beneath and surrounding the point of gummosis. If you carefully scrape away the gum and probe the bark beneath, you will find the bark loose and the tissue beneath discolored. In fact, the bark at the point of gummosis may slough off easily indicating dead tissue.




The gummosis or resinosa usually indicates the tree is in decline - from a variety of possibilities like poor growing conditions, root strangulation, drought, fungal infection etc

The likelihood of this tree surviving is bleak. Try a different species in a different location, and carry on the memorial for your son.