{"id":22336,"date":"2023-11-23T00:30:20","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T22:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=22336"},"modified":"2023-11-23T00:30:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T22:30:20","slug":"how-to-treat-cherry-tree-canker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/how-to-treat-cherry-tree-canker\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Treat Cherry Tree Canker"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is Cherry Tree Canker?<\/h2>\n

Cherry tree canker is a fungal disease which causes sunken lesions on the bark of the tree. The fungus, Botryosphaeria, grows and reproduces rapidly, causing damage to the bark and restricting the flow of nutrients and water up the trunk. This results in inadequate foliage growth and death of the tree over time.
\nCherry tree canker is a common problem in areas with high humidity levels, poor air movement, and high levels of rainfall. High humidity creates the perfect conditions for Botryosphaeria growth and spread. The fungus enters the cherry tree through wounds and cracks in the bark when the tree is weak or stressed. <\/p>\n

Signs of Cherry Tree Canker<\/h2>\n

The signs of cherry tree canker can include ooze oozing from the trunk or branches, dark spots, sunken bark lesions and dead twigs. The bark of the tree will often feel raised or cracked around the canker site, and the lesion may range in color from light gray to deep red.
\nAdditionally, the leaves of the tree can begin to turn yellow and fall off early. This is due to the impaired flow of nutrients and water traveling up the trunk; the foliage is being deprived of the essential elements it needs for growth. <\/p>\n

Prevention Strategies for Cherry Tree Canker<\/h2>\n

The key to preventing cherry tree canker is keeping the tree healthy. The tree should be nurtured and cared for with adequate amounts of mulch and water. Pruning ill-shaped branches can reduce stress and create good air movement. Additionally, well-dried firewood stored away from the tree will reduce the spread of spores.<\/p>\n

Treatment Options for Cherry Tree Canker<\/h2>\n

The first step in treating is to rid the tree of the disease. This can be done by cutting back affected branches or applying a fungicide to the trunk. To be effective, fungicides need to be applied regularly, usually once a month. Additionally, pruning should be enhanced to remove dead wood and wood that shows signs of the fungus.
\nIt is important to remember that fungicides are not a cure-all and will only work as long as they are used regularly. If the fungus is allowed to enter the tree, or if the tree is not properly treated, the disease can spread quickly and cause irreparable damage to the tree.<\/p>\n

Environmental Factors that Exacerbate Cherry Tree Canker<\/h2>\n