Although cherry trees can be hardy, eating edible cherries can be frustrating. They are less susceptible to pests than ornamental varieties and rarely pose a problem.
However, there are pests that can cause permanent damage for weeping cherry trees.
Cherry Sawfly
Cherry sawfly, also known by the names cherry slugs and cherry sawfly larvae is a small, black wasp-like fly that attacks cherry trees. In late summer, it leaves irritating orange spots on the leaves.
To deter animals from coming in contact with wood ash, you can use it. It’s effective, even though it might seem extreme.
Black Cherry aphids
As with all other aphids and aphids of any kind, the black cherry aphids attacks young shoots in spring and summer. Their infestations can cause severe damage and you have no other options than to introduce predators to your garden or plant pollinator-friendly flowers. You can also use bug boxes to encourage ladybugs (wasps) and bees (bees) to nest in the box.
This guide will show you how to build your own hive or where to find the best online.
Leaf Miners (Apple Leaf Mining Moths)
Although the apple leaf mining moths may prefer apples trees, any fruit in the Prunus/Malus tree family can be subject to their wrathful caterpillars.
Their larvae eat into leaves’ surfaces, creating transparent pits, which then turn to brown uneven mold. It is possible to remove the damage as soon you notice it, and then put it back. Moth pheromone and traps if the moths become a common problem.
Spider Mites, Cherry Thrips & Beetles
If you find spider mites, beetles or thrips on a cherry tree, it could indicate that it is either too dry, or too wet. You can improve the tree’s health by adding or removing mulch.
Cherry trees can be affected by mildew, canker and other fungal diseases. There are three main diseases to be aware of when planting weeping cherry trees.
- Bacterial canker
- Blossom wilt
- Silver leaf
Bacterial canker
Canker is hard to spot before it has already become a problem, and there is only one solution – cut it off. Dead bark that has sunken within the trunk or branches can lead to canker.
If you are unsure, check the leaves. They will develop small holes as a result of nutritional problems or bacteria. ‘shot holes’. To remove canker, cut the affected area as well as any other areas.
It is best to burn any affected materials to stop further spread. If you’re lucky, cherry trees will recover. However, it can alter the form of their trees. Healthy growth can be cut to create a more even canopy.
Blossom wilt
Blossom disease, caused by fungal diseases, can cause blossoms and spurs to drop from trees. Blossom wilt is usually caused by excess moisture.
The fungus could be responsible for blossoms falling too early.
Blossom disease can affect all fruit trees, including pear, plum, and apple trees, as well as cherries and ornamental varieties. It can be treated with an all-purpose organic fungicide and drainage should be improved.
Click here to learn more about Blossom Wilt, and how you can stop it.
Silver leaf
As it sounds, silver leaves create a fine silvery layer over the stems and leaves of cherry trees. Chondrostereum Perpureum is a fungal infection that can infect wounds, usually from pest damage.
Silver leaf can often be recovered from mature cherry tree branches. Silver leaf can be dangerous to young trees and saplings.
To stop the spread of silver leaves, remove and burn any branches that have been affected by your weeping cherries.
