Background Information
Cherry trees often have a notorious reputation for being delicate and difficult to maintain. This can make them an intimidating prospect for amateur gardeners. Problems like dying leaves are common and can be scary to witness at first. Knowing the reason behind why the leaves on your cherry tree are dying can help the gardener feel a sense of control and take steps to solve the issue.
What Causes Dying Leaves on a Cherry Tree?
Many things can cause the leaves of a cherry tree to wither or discolor. Common reasons include nutrient deficiencies as well as environmental stresses. If the leaves on your cherry tree suddenly start turning yellow, brown or falling off without any obvious signs of distress, then it might be an indication that something is wrong with your tree. Possible causes include:
Insect Infestation
Insects like aphids, thrips, mealybugs, sawfly larvae and scale can all feed on the leaves of a cherry tree and cause damage. These insects mainly hide on the underside of the leaves and can be difficult to spot. If your tree has a lot of insects, then it is possible that they are sucking the life out of the leaves and causing them to die.
Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of sufficient nutrients can also cause leaves of a cherry tree to die. If the soil is low in essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium, the tree may not be able to produce enough chlorophyll. This can lead to the leaves becoming yellow or brown before falling off.
Environmental Stress
Cherry trees are particularly sensitive to environmental stressors like extreme temperatures and dry soil. If the tree is not supplied with enough water or exposed to excessively hot or cold weather, then the leaves may start to discolor or develop spots.
How Can I Preserve My Cherry Tree?
When attempting to preserve your cherry tree, the best course of action is to identify the source of the problem first. This can be done by carefully inspecting the leaves for signs of insect activity or nutrient deficiencies. If no obvious issues can be found, then the gardener should consider the environmental conditions and verify that the tree is receiving adequate care.
Insect Infestation
If you have identified insect activity on your cherry tree, then you will need to take steps to protect the tree. First, try spraying the tree with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Be sure to cover the leaves on the underside as well. For larger infestations, you may need to use a stronger insecticide.
Nutrient Deficiencies
In the case of nutrient deficiencies, the soil around your cherry tree will need to be amended with the essential elements that it is lacking. This can be done by adding organic compost or fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Environmental Stress
To combat the effects of environmental stress on your cherry tree, the gardener should provide the tree with enough water and shade. If the tree is exposed to extreme temperatures, then it should be potted and moved indoors or protected with a layer of protective cloth or plastic.
Conclusion
Dying leaves on a cherry tree can be a sign of something amiss. In order to save the tree, the gardener should identify the source of the problem and take steps to protect the tree from environmental stresses, insect infestations and nutrient deficiencies. proper care and maintenance can ensure that your cherry tree remains healthy and strong.
