Cherry Tree Maintenance
Cherry trees are loved for their spring flowers and ornamental value, but they can be sensitive in Colorado. Common issues include canker, borers, aphids, leaf spot, and environmental stress from drought and heat.
- Species
- Cherry Tree
- Botanical Name
- Prunus spp. — ornamental and fruiting cherries
- Group
- Ornamental Trees
- Tracked Problems
- 7
Seasonal Calendar
| Problem | Type | Active Season |
|---|---|---|
| Cytospora canker | Fungus | Spring–Fall |
| Shot hole disease | Fungus/Bacteria | Spring–Summer |
| Peach twig borer / borers | Insect | Spring–Summer |
| Aphids | Insect | Spring–Fall |
| Spider mites | Mite | Summer |
| Brown rot | Fungus | Spring–Summer |
| Environmental stress | Abiotic | Summer–Fall |
Pest & Disease Guide
Cytospora Canker
Common symptoms
- Amber gum oozing
- Sunken bark
- Dieback
Treatment & management
- Prune infected limbs
- Reduce drought stress
Shot Hole Disease
Common symptoms
- Small holes in leaves
- Brown spotting
Treatment & management
- Clean up leaves
- Avoid overhead irrigation
Borers
Common symptoms
- Flagging tips
- Branch dieback
Treatment & management
- Prune affected shoots
- Reduce stress
Aphids
Common symptoms
- Leaf curling
- Honeydew
Treatment & management
- Rinse foliage
- Encourage predators
Spider Mites
Common symptoms
- Bronzed leaves
- Fine webbing
Treatment & management
- Increase irrigation
- Rinse canopy
Brown Rot
Common symptoms
- Blossom blight
- Rotting fruit or twigs
Treatment & management
- Remove infected tissue
- Improve airflow
Environmental Stress
Common symptoms
- Scorch
- Premature leaf drop
Treatment & management
- Deep watering
- Mulch base
When to Worry
- Spreading cankers
- Heavy dieback
- Repeated borer damage
- Severe blossom or fruit loss
Mostly Cosmetic
- Minor aphids
- Light spotting
- Occasional mite damage
Notes
These can shorten tree life and reduce ornamental value.
These usually improve with good pruning and irrigation.
Related Resources
Related Services
When you want a professional opinion
The Root exists to help you understand your landscape. When a tree needs hands-on evaluation, a Great Western arborist can look at it in person.