Sorry, don’t know how to rotate 90 degrees. This is my Starkkrimson sweet cheery tree planted spring of 2014. it does not put a lot of growth last year and there was this thing on the main truck. I looked at the tree yesterday, it is still alive and top portion have some leaf/flower buds?
My question is what I supposed to do with this canker? Will it grow out of it or will it eventually kill the tree?
I’m no expert so get a second opinion, but to me that looks like bacterial canker that entered through that pruning cut. If that’s the case, I’d normally cut it off if it was on a side branch but being on the main trunk like that, you don’t really have that option. Sometimes the tree will wall it off and continue the flow of nutrients through the “good side” of the trunk and continue to grow reasonably well, and sometimes the canker will girdle the entire trunk and kill everything above the canker. I’m not aware of any treatment for canker apart from pruning.
Don Thanks. So all I can do is just leave it alone? Do I need to spray copper or something to prevent more canker showing up on the tree? It is sad that the canker is about a foot above the ground on the main trunk that I can’t just prune it off.
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Unfortunately copper sprays prevent fungal infections so won’t do anything against bacteria. Might prevent fungi from getting into the wound and adding to the problem I suppose. Avoid any stresses to the tree that might weaken it and let the canker take advantage of a weak tree. Really unfortunate place for canker, you might want to consider replacing the tree since you would only lose one year of growing time. (Get a second opinion, I’m no expert.)
Im not an expert on canker but it looks like it to me too.
How low on the tree? Do you like grafting? Maybe you could cut the tree 6 inches below the wound, cut off a branch well above the wound, then graft the top to the cut trunk. It would mean extra care, wrap the cankerized area thoroughly with plastic wrap before removing so you dont spread infection, sterilize your tools in lysol with each cut.
It’s just a thought. I would probably try something like that before giving up on the tree entirely. i admit I’m not so good with grafting cherries compared to pears apples and plums.
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Thank you gentleman, I will keep my fingers crossed
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What happened with your cherry tree? Did it end up making it, or did you take it out?
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That branch died. But there are couple of side branches right above the graft joint replaced the dead main branch. The tree grow back with multi-branches
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So here is my small Lapins cherry.
Same question. Bacterial canker? This is the main trunk of the tree, but I do have 4 branches below it.
Amputation in the spring? Now? It has gone dormant.
Above this point I have healthy growth.
Anyone? Dr. Canker? Beuller?
Mine had dark, sunken tree trunk. That trunk lived for couple of years with weaker growth and eventually died. At the base, above the grafted union came up another branch which became the main trunk later. I have read that it’s best to prune sweet cherry in its growing season to help fast healing
I may just have to wait until a few weeks before spring to cut it. It’s dropped its leaves so it won’t be putting any energy into healing at the moment.
I’m still considering just taking the tree out honestly. I can use the space for something better suited to my area…maybe saving a few scion
Bumping this thread to see if anyone who has experience with cherry tree canker can chime in.
Should I cut the whole tree out above the affected area in spring? Now? The tree is in dormancy.
I do have 4 branches below the opening in the wood.
The tree grew and looks healthy except for the long opening in the photo…which I am still not sure is canker.
Or is this tree a lost cause and I should remove it?
If there are branches below the canker (while you still working on confirming it is), I would cut the branch off 6 inches below the infected area. Or you can cut the infected area out ,but it is a lot of work . In my case, the tree sent a new branch out below the infected area the second year. once it’s strong enough, probably on the third year (I don’t remember on which year, could
be the 4th year. The tree lived for awhile before it significantly declined), then I cut the canked branch off. The replacement branch had never had any further canker issue.
I sprayed copper on this cherry tree during dormant season afterwards
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Thanks. Yeah I think some early surgery is needed.
I may wait until late January just to make sure it doesn’t spur any new growth. Winter down here… It can be 80 degrees on Xmas day and in the 20’s for lows a week later!
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A quick video of my Lapins cherry with the canker (I am still assuming) damage. https://youtu.be/SkE59mMoAMg?si=s2k6Fk5fpTXX74E6
Can’t confirm it is ,or it is not. Your tree doesn’t have ooze, barks aren’t turned dark and sunk. Is it possible a insects like cicadas damage 
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I think I’ll take my chances and see how it does this coming year. It’s planted in a fire ring (open to the ground below) in the middle of a limestone area.
It’s only a few years old so it will not be a big loss of it doesn’t make it.
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