Dwarf Weeping Cherry diseased

Question: We planted a Dwarf Weeping Cherry tree about 5 years ago according to the directions that came with the tree. It never did very well and eventually developed a fungus and branches started dying. I’m wondering if I can plant a different tree right away or does the disease indicate waiting or treating the soil. Thanks, John

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 21, 2023, 8:32 PM EDT
response: Before referring to a tree expert, can you: 1. describe the soil- was it heavy clay, loam or sandy soil? 2. Was the soil kept moist or was mostly dry?  3. Did the tree receive water during dry times in summer and fall when rainfall was lacking? 4. Did the area ever flood or stay constantly wet? 5. Is the injury on the trunk from digging up the tree or was it caused by something else? 6. Was the location a protected area near a building or was it out in the yard where winter winds  and sun could reach it? These answers can help our expert determine what caused the tree to die back.  Thank you, I will watch for your additional information.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Laura, the soil is beach sand with topsoil added. We planted the tree per the instructions that came with it. It was surrounded with compose. We add wood chips every year but I never put it all the way up to the trunk. The area is watered daily with underground sprinkling. The area around the tree has never been flooded. There is a large Crimson King Maple about 20 feet to the south that shades the area for part of the afternoon. The wound to the trunk is from us pulling it out of the ground. We would like to plant another small ornamental tree in the same place.  Thank you for your help. John   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2023 8:32 PM To: John Kuiphof <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Dwarf Weeping Cherry diseased (#0101155)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied May 23, 2023, 5:27 PM EDT
response: Hello John, Thank you for the additional information. Yes, you can plant another small ornamental tree near where this one was. A soil test would be a good idea first, so you know your soil pH and nutrient levels. It is easier to amend the soil before planting a new tree.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension Here are some lists of small trees for full sun: Weeping Higan cherry varieties: https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=363 Small ornamentals, many will have weeping forms available: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-are-best-flowering-trees-small-yard For sandy soils, crabapple, serviceberry, smoketree and Siberian peashrub are some to consider: https://lancaster.unl.edu/plants-sandy-dry-conditions As to why this tree failed to thrive: The roots on this tree are very tangled rather than reaching out into the soil. I suspect these tangled roots are part of the reason why the tree didn’t do well where it was planted. Another factor is the tree was positioned too deeply in the soil. This limits oxygen exchange in the roots and encourages the tree roots to continue to circle or entangle themselves, potentially strangling the tree in time. When you plant, if roots are circling, try to gently stretch a few out to discourage circling. You probably purchased this as a container grown tree. It is important to locate the root flare, where the main roots begin to flare out from the main trunk and plant the tree at that depth. Often, the flare is buried several inches into the container. See- https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-to-Properly-Plant-a-Tree-Root-Flare_v2.pdf Depending on sun exposure and prevailing winds in winter, the branches on the tree can experience dieback over winter. However, your tree was still alive and sprouting. Your sandy soil is an issue since that soil tends to dry out quickly and does not hold nutrients well. Cherry prefers moist, fertile soil that drains well- a loamy type soil is best.  The tree may have been sourced from a southern nursery location and never adapted well to our winters. Talk with your nursery and ask where the tree. Was actually grown, a tree started in a climate the same or similar to Michigan will adjust better than a tree grown in Florida, for example. The yellow fungi you see on the branches are lichens. They do not harm the tree. However, they can be an indication of slow tree growth, and high moisture in the area. Sprinklers should be directed away from trees and shrubs so as not to wet the leaves and branches. (If that is not possible, set sprinklers to water early in the day so that trees and shrubs will dry before nightfall.) Here is a good planting and tree care guide to follow: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev7_013722.pdf Best of luck with your new tree.!