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Cherry Tree trouble

SeanP_2525SeanP_2525 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hello all. We bought  flowering Prunus kanzan cherry tree last June and planted it looking forward to it blossoming in Spring this year. However it didn't blossom(bar just 1 or 2 on the stem) andnow many of it's leaves have small holes in them. I've recently mulched the beds with some well rotted manure and made sure there is plenty around the base of the tree. Is there anything else I should be doing to make sure it's ok and hopefully will be well enough to blossom next year? I've attached some pics of the leaves for any resident Cherry tree experts to scrutinise! Thanks in advance. Sean

Posts

  • luis_prluis_pr Posts: 123
    edited May 2021
    Some of the foliage appears to have symptoms that remind me of a rust fungal infection. The holes may be caused by parts of the leaves that have been damaged by rust to the point that a hole develops... or maybe you have had some insects "visiting" but either they left already or they were not present for the picture taking  :)  . I could not see any "visitors" in the leaves when I enlarged the pictures.
  • SeanP_2525SeanP_2525 Posts: 4
    Hi luis thanks for your response. Yes I haven't seen any any "visitors" Just wondering if there is a nutritional connection between the failure to blossom and the holes....
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Your tree may be still too small to flower, but other factors may be due to water stress. The leaves are a type of fungal problem, and most like shot-hole disease, usually due to dense wet conditions causing it to spread.

    The most important thing is to rake up the fallen leaves in autumn, do not let them stay around the base as that can re-infect the tree the following year. Sounds like you have given it a lot of care.

    Newly planted trees need a lot of water in the first 2-3 years, so do water your tree generously throughout summer, especially when it is really hot. Aim to water it well at least once a week. Hopefully, next year, you will see an improvement.
  • luis_prluis_pr Posts: 123
    Also, make sure it is getting enough sunlight, say, about 8 hours maybe?
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