Sad Cherry tree in Golden CO 5b/6a

General Fruit Growing
1

Hey guys. This past month this tree has been severely struggling. We’ve had a super dry summer but it’s on drip irrigation, not sure if weeds and the vines below are stealing more water than they should? About 1.5 months ago I noticed some gummosis on the base near the graft so besides the yellowing, something is obviously wrong. I checked today and looks like the same spot is oozing again. Any suggestions? Any sprays I can do or do I just wait it out till winter? Please any help is appreciated

Edit: Lapins cherry tree planted in 2023 from trees of antiquity

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2

What is the cultivar and the rootstock?

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3

Sorry I probably should’ve mentioned it. It’s a lapins purchased from trees of antiquity. Planted in spring 2023. However I dont know the rootstock

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4

How much water do you think it’s getting? If you try to poke a rod in the ground near the tree is hard and dry or is there a moist spot near the emitter?

I’m very close to you and it has been very dry. The tree looks like it could just be too dry. Or it could have root issues. Or it could be what you are describing.

A really good deep soaking might help. Slow water for 24 hours to wet up a sizable area.

5

Same as my other trees that seem to be ok, but I believe it’s about 15 gallons a week. But possibly that’s not enough with how dry we are. I put the hose on it and will give it a nice drink. Will repeat next week if we don’t get a good amount of rain. I didn’t know much about fruit trees when I bought this so it’s possible the rootstock isn’t great for our area so it maybe time to order a backup that I can keep potted haha

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6

Gummosis near the graft is worth taking seriously. Could be bacterial canker, could be crown rot from excess moisture around the root crown. Worth clearing away any mulch or soil that’s built up against the base and letting it dry out a bit. The vines and weeds definitely don’t help, competition on a struggling tree just makes everything worse.

7

I’d poke around with a wire and see if a tunnel with an insect or grub is inside that spot that’s oozing. Peach tree borers will go for cherry as well. search for peach borer on the forum.

If it’s that, you can evict the borers with the wire and next year treat with something (neem, chemicals) at the right time.