What’s killing my cherry tree?!

laurieeggleston

In the last week or so, our cherry tree has started dropping leaves at an alarming rate. The leaves are covered in black spots and look like something has been eating them.

Every time the wind blows a load drop to the ground. It’s heartbreaking as we nursed this tree back to health over the last few years with pruning and care. 

Can anyone suggest what I can do to help it recover?

laurieeggleston

pansyface

It looks like a disease called “shot hole” or Coryneum blight. It affects cherries, plums and other stone fruit trees.

Not much to be done, especially as you say that you have already nursed this tree back to health from some other problem so it is already not in the best condition to fight off this infection.

Here is some advice, not that it offers much in the way of help.

laurieeggleston

Thanks @Pansyface. Having spoken to our local tree surgeon he says it might be game over for it, but to allow one final season to see if it recovers. Sad times!

pansyface

It comes to us all, sooner or later.😕