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Fruit & Orchards

half Dried up cherry tree

15 years ago

I have a cherry tree i had for about 4-5 years now and the the last 2 years it seems to die back right after flowering. so it never fruits anymore because of it. It will be in full bloom and then one day after the buds are done the whole top of the tree turns brown and i end up cutting it back. Heres a picture of it. Anyone ever heard of it. For reference it is a hansens dwarf bush cherry.

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Comments (2)

jellyman
15 years ago
btropical:

Looks like root rot to me, leading to catastrophic failure of the superstructure. Cherry rootstocks are very sensitive to saturated soil. Is that bush in a low spot, or is there any other reason to think it may be slightly drowned, such as a lot of rainfall?

I don't think there is much to save there, and would take out that bush and plant a real little cherry tree, such as Northstar or Meteor, in a spot with very good drainage. Hansen's cherries are mostly pit, with a thin layer of cherry. They don't work in the cherry pitter, and have to be hand pitted for culinary use. I had several of these bushes, and took them out for that reason, although they did have lots of pretty blooms in spring.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA
btropical256
Original Author
15 years ago
Don, Thanks for your help. I am going to think what i want to do. No matter what i will probably at least cut the tree back a good bit. I realize now that im better off with a better fruiting cherry and just keep it trimmed to my desired height. I always wondered why it did this as there is no sign of insects and even if they were i doubt it would effect them in that way. The tree is planted in a raised bed about 6 inches higher then the ground level and during that time it was rather dry id say but there could of been alot of moisture below. Afterall about a foot down from the surface is straight clay here in PA. I would say though i wasnt too impressed with the fruit, being mostly a big seed and little fruit around it. And especially they were only slightly sweet if they were left on until they were dark dark almost falling of the tree ripe. But anyway thanks for your help.
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