weeping cherry tree question

[meledward23]

Junkman,

Your skyward branches are doing what is natural. You will not convince them to droop. Yes Cut them if the rest of your tree is weeping properly and these branches show a strong upright dominance. The weeping cherry is not a commonly occuring plant, rather a mutation selected by man and grafted on another cherries root stock for propogation.

Yes it looks like that cherry has a diesease. Which one I can not begin to claim to know which one. Even with better photos I probably wouldnt be much help. An anti-fungal treatment is worht considering.

You cherry is in jeporady of dying any day. I say that as it is an old large tree. I say that like you would say that to a 50 year old smoker that has smoked since age 15. Could live to be 100, many live a long time. In short keeping it healthy is your best bet. Your options: Take a leaf to a local extension or QUALITY NURSERY (NOT HOME DEPOT, but a private joint with Horticulturists). Find out what is affecting it. Feed it, water it (as needed) and treat it.

I speak bad about cherries. I have a bias against them.

That said your cherry may serve you well for many years.

 

[Junkman]

Thanks for the suggestion. When is the best time to cut off the offending branches? Any special treatment after I lop them off???? thanks again.... Junk...

 

[meledward23]

Pruning in the winter (maybe fall as far North as you are, read as dormant) will encourage the least amount or shoot growth (suckering). In other words cut when the tree isn't actively growing and it wont fight back. Hence, the odd ball branches are less likely to start up again.

 

[aondre]

What is your soil type (clay, sand, loam, etc.)?
How much rainfall have you had in the last 60 days?
Do you know your soil PH?
Have you applied any fertilizers this year, if so what was the NPK ratio?

It sounds like it is well established so you shouldn't need to do anything too drastic too quickly. Don't just soak it with water, these trees like very well drained soil and can be drowned easily.

Check for insect damage, look at the trunk and branches for boring (holes), or chewing. Then check the leafs with a magnifying glass and look for jagged holes, eggs, web-like material, or even the insects themselves. This time of year caterpillars (not the dozers) like to feed on the cherry trees here.

Check the leafs for spots. Spots are good indicators of a fungus, but can also be caused from insects. If the leafs yellow with no signs of damage (spots or holes) then it could be a deficiency of a nutrient.

Weeping cherries can be (are) sensitive to many environmental conditions. I've stopped growing them in the field at my nursery, and now only grow them in containers where I can more easily control growing conditions.