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Spots on cut cherry branch

jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
in Problem solving
Some workmen damaged the cherry near our drive. I know you aren't meant toncut cherry in the winter, but the loose branch had to come off. Now it has developed spots (see attached). Is this anything to worry about?

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Can you post a photo from a different angle so we can see how long that branch stub is?  It looks as if it should have been cut closer to the trunk (to the collar), where it will heal better.  See here:
    The black stuff is likely just a black surface mould which is living off the sugar in the weeping sap and is nothing to worry about.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    Thanks for your reply. Sorry for the delay in responding, I didn't have a chance to get a photo. It probably could be cut closer. A job for the summer?


  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Yes, cut it back to the red line I've added to the image and when it is in full leaf (and preferably also when it is forecast to be dry for a few days.)

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    Thanks! It's a lovely big tree so very keen to keep it healthy.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    It should be fine.  Cherry trees aren't the longest living things (20-25 years is often quoted) but they can last decades longer if disease is kept at bay and most of that enters via damage.  When you remove that stub, check any other branches which have also been cut back and make sure the cut is smooth and clean.  If any of them have ragged ends, cut them back a bit further to just above where a smaller branch is growing out.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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