Cherry trees are prized for their beautiful spring blooms and delicious fruit. However, they are prone to several diseases that can damage their health and appearance. Being able to identify these diseases is crucial for properly caring for your cherry tree. This photo guide covers the most common cherry tree diseases, their causes, and treatment options.
Black Knot
Black knot is one of the most noticeable cherry tree diseases. It causes rough black swellings or “knots” to form on branches These knots enlarge over time and may ooze orange sap in wet weather
![Black knot disease on a cherry tree branch][]
Black knot on a cherry tree branch. Image via stonepostgardens.com
Black knot is caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa. Spores from the fungus infect the tree and cause the knots to form. It spreads most rapidly in wet, humid conditions.
To treat black knot, prune out infected branches, cutting at least 4 inches below the knot. Be sure to sterilize pruning tools between cuts to avoid spreading the disease. Burn or bury the removed branches.
Brown Rot
Brown rot is a fungal disease that affects fruit, flowers, and twigs. It causes blossoms and fruit to turn brown or grayish-brown. As the disease advances, the tissue becomes wrinkled and mummified. A white fuzzy fungal growth may appear on infected areas in humid conditions.![Cherry fruit with brown rot infection][]
Cherry fruit infected with brown rot. Image via stonepostgardens.com
The fungus Monilinia fructicola is responsible for brown rot. Spores spread in wet, rainy weather. To manage brown rot, remove and destroy infected fruit. Prune out cankered twigs and branches. Avoid excessive pruning that leaves open wounds.
Cherry Leaf Spot
This fungal disease causes purple or brown spots to develop on leaves. The spots enlarge over time, and older leaves may turn yellow and fall off prematurely.![Cherry tree leaf with purple leaf spot lesions][]
Cherry leaf with purple leaf spot lesions. Image via stonepostgardens.com
The fungus Blumeriella jaapii causes cherry leaf spot. It spreads via spores released from infected leaves. Raking up and disposing of fallen leaves helps remove the source of reinfection. Plant resistant varieties when possible.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is easy to identify from the white or gray powdery coating it creates on leaves, shoots, and fruit. Leaves may become twisted, distorted, or drop early.![Cherry leaves covered in white powdery mildew][]
Powdery mildew fungus on cherry leaves. Image via stonepostgardens.com
The fungus Podosphaera clandestina causes powdery mildew. Wind spreads the spores from plant to plant. To help prevent powdery mildew, prune to improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding trees. Resistant varieties can also help manage this disease.
Silver Leaf
Silver leaf disease is called such because it causes infected leaves to develop a silvery sheen. Dead brown spots or blotches may also appear on leaves. ![Cherry tree leaves with silver discoloration from silver leaf disease][]
Cherry leaves exhibiting silvering from silver leaf disease. Image via stonepostgardens.com
The fungus Chondrostereum purpureum is responsible for silver leaf disease. It enters through wounds and disrupts water flow in the tree. Affected branches may die back. Pruning out infected branches well below any visible symptoms is the best treatment option.
Bacterial Canker
This potentially lethal disease causes sunken, cracked cankers to form on branches and trunks. Oozing reddish sap often accompanies the cankers. Leaves on affected branches may wilt or turn yellow.![Cherry tree canker oozing reddish sap][]
Bacterial canker oozing reddish sap. Image via stonepostgardens.com
The bacterium Pseudomonas syringae causes bacterial canker. It enters through wound sites. Prune out infected areas, sterilizing pruning tools between cuts. Avoid excess pruning that leaves the tree vulnerable to infection.
Phytophthora Root & Crown Rot
This soil-borne fungal disease attacks the roots and crown of the tree. Leaves may wilt, yellow, and drop. Infected trees exhibit stunted growth and gradual decline as the roots rot away.![Cherry tree infected with Phytophthora root rot][]
A cherry tree with severe Phytophthora root and crown rot. Image via stonepostgardens.com
Phytophthora fungi cause the rot. They thrive in wet, poorly-drained soils. To help prevent infection, improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove severely infected trees to prevent spread.
Peach Tree Borer
Though named for peach trees, this pest will also attack cherries. Larvae bore into the trunk, causing sap flow, sawdust-like frass, and damage. Adults are clearwing moths.![Peach tree borer larvae in cherry tree trunk][]
Peach tree borer larvae in a cherry tree trunk. Image via stonepostgardens.com
Monitor for injury sites and frass. Use pheromone traps and insecticides to control borers. Keep trees healthy to withstand damage, and insert wires into larval holes to kill them.
Crown Gall
Crown gall causes abnormal round galls or tumor-like growths on trunks and branches. The galls are rough in texture and may exude sap.![Cherry tree crown gall][]
Crown gall on a cherry tree trunk. Image via stonepostgardens.com
The bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens causes crown gall. It enters through wound sites. Carefully prune out galls or remove seriously infected trees. Avoid wounding and sterilize tools between cuts.
Preventing Cherry Tree Diseases
- Plant disease-resistant varieties when available
- Prune for optimal airflow and light penetration
- Water at soil level and avoid wetting foliage
- Clean up fallen leaves and debris
- Disinfect pruning tools between uses
- Apply preventive fungicides/insecticides when necessary
- Address stress factors like poor drainage
Catching diseases early makes treatment easier. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consulting an arborist can help diagnose the problem and recommend proper care for your cherry trees. With vigilance and prompt care, your trees can thrive for years to come.
black knot: 5
brown rot: 5
cherry leaf spot: 4
powdery mildew: 4
silver leaf: 5
bacterial canker: 4
Phytophthora root rot: 3
crown gall: 3
peach tree borer: 3
arborist: 1
pruning: 7
fungus: 5
spores: 4
leaves: 11
branches: 9
fruit: 5
10 Common Cherry Tree Diseases
FAQ
How do you know if a cherry tree is diseased?
Why are the leaves on my cherry tree turning brown and curling?
What does a fungus on a cherry tree look like?
What does cherry blight look like?
What are the common cherry tree diseases?
The common cherry tree diseases have recognizable symptoms. Read on to learn more about cherry tree problems and the best methods of treating diseases of cherry trees. Common cherry tree problems include rot, spot, and knot diseases. Trees can also get blight, canker, and powdery mildew.
Do cherry trees have problems?
Read on to learn more about cherry tree problems and the best methods of treating diseases of cherry trees. Common cherry tree problems include rot, spot, and knot diseases. Trees can also get blight, canker, and powdery mildew. Root and crown rot diseases result from a fungus-like organism that is present in most soils.
Can cherry trees get blight?
Common cherry tree problems include rot, spot, and knot diseases. Trees can also get blight, canker, and powdery mildew. How do you know if a cherry tree has a disease? Informational table showing disease name, symptoms, pathogen/cause, and management of Cherry diseases. Dark-brown to black, hard swellings form on twigs and branches.
Can a cherry tree get fungus?
Try to remove all the unnecessary plant debris around the base of the cherry tree to avoid fungus. Cherry leaf spot disease can affect all species, but the English Morello trees are more inclined to suffer from this issue. Another common name for this disease is yellow leaf disease.
Can cherry trees die from leaf spot disease?
All trees from the cherry family are vulnerable to leaf spot disease. This affects the leaves, creating brown spots that can cover the entire leaf in an advanced stage, causing its death. Severe cases lead to the end of the tree eventually. The only treatment is to remove the affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.
What causes red spots on cherry trees?
A cherry tree disease called leaf spot causes reddish purple spots on the leaves’ upper surfaces. If the leaves develop lesions, they can become chlorotic, and the cherries may fail to develop if the disease progresses to severe levels.