Missing Leaves - Montmorency Cherry

General Fruit Growing
#1

I have several Montmorency cherry trees but this one seems to be missing a lot of leaves. Would anyone know why and what I should do. I am excited that it has some fruit on it. I have provided some pictures. I am in Virginia in 7A. Thanks for your help.

M_Cherry_4_20
M_Cherry_4_202448×3264 3.44 MB
M_Cherry_Missing_lv_4_20
M_Cherry_Missing_lv_4_202448×3264 4.01 MB
M_Cherry_closeupWlvs_4_20
M_Cherry_closeupWlvs_4_202448×3264 2.42 MB

#2

Give the branches the scratch test. Newer cherry trees often lose limbs over the winter. I had that happen to a few in the past.

1 Like
#3

Robert,

Thanks. I did the scratch test and a number of limbs appeared dead. I cut them off.

DaveJ

#4

I am in 7a virginia as well. You may not want to do this. While it is struggling it would probably be best to remove the fruit. Most trees will flower early if they are near death or struggling. Removing the fruit eases some of the stress on the plant and allows for better root growth.

#5

Robert. Ok. Thanks.