Kathryn McGuinness asked 12 years ago
We have had a Cherry Blossom in our front garden, beside the gate, for approximately 23 years. We live in a three bed semi with an average sized garden. In the last two years one side of the tree has failed to produce leaves or blossoms. The other side appears to be healthy. Can you tell me what the problem is?
Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
Bacterial canker can cause die-back of large branches and even the trunk, and there is often a gummy exudate.
Silver leaf is a fungal disease which causes leaves to turn silvery and branches to die.
Both of these diseases tend to enter through pruning cuts and breaks, mainly in winter, and cherries should not be pruned if possible, and only in summer if necessary.
The tree may survive with one side dead or it may continue to die back and become so ugly that it needs to be removed.
