I planted a new Royal Crimson last season (fourth time I do so) about 30 yards away from my closest established cherry which happens to be a Royal Lee that I’d like to cross pollinate with, and it survived the year without any signs of disease. I just pruned it (which is basically cutting three branches at this stage) and still no signs of disease. This is the farthest I’ve come with this variety so I’m super stoked.
However, my little victory lap was short lived. I just now noticed that my Royal Lee has similar gumming. My heart dropped as this is by far my nicest looking cherry tree in the orchard and is 5 years now. I really don’t want this tree to succumb to anything as this is my pride and joy even though I have yet to get any fruit from it (it blooms profusely but any pollinator I’ve planted throughout these years have died early - i.e the battle with Royal Crimson).
So what approach am I taking you guys think? I’d be severely devastated if I lose this tree. The resources above doesn’t list any solution per se other than carve it off in the summer and hope for the best. That approach seems like definite doom.
If I scrape most of it off right now and treat it with Italian Dressing, would that perhaps help? Or should I wait until the intense sun and heat is available?
Attached is how it currently looks like
