odd growth and stress Yoshino Cherry

Question: The tree has been in the ground for 18 years, good drainage, SW open exposure.   Full canopy.   Growth has been there for 4plus years and the canopy has shown stress, dropped leaves early in past 2 summers.  Current Picture attached.   I've hit the open wounds with spray on tree sealer and it seemed to help last year.

Help, suggestions please.

thx

bill

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 22, 2023, 1:15 PM EST
response: Hi,  Its a little difficult to tell what happened to the tree as it does look like its been there for awhile. A number of factors could be causing the decline. In general the use of tree sealer is not something that is practiced anymore since it has shown to not actually help 'heal' the wound on the tree and can trap in any disease or pests.  Part of what you are seeing at the base of the tree is adventitious rooting (see page 7 for another example). Some trees produce roots as a stress response to help seal the wound and reach towards the soil.  The canopy dieback could be a number of factors as well. If the tree is stressed for various reasons ( wounds, borers, weather conditions - heat, water too much, too little) it is more  susceptible for disease and insects. Something that is typical in Cherry's is Shot Hole Disease (see section diseases for ornamental charry trees). This can cause the tree to defoliate in the heat of the summer.  Given that you mentioned you've had the tree for 18 years, that is fairly average for Ornamental Cherry's in our climate and most living conditions. They are not usually that long lived of a tree ( maybe 20-30 years in a typical suburban/urban yard). While there isn't much you could do to provide an extension of life for the tree in terms of pruning or treatment options, at this point just making sure the tree is getting adequate water in the heat of the summer (or not too much if its near the runoff of a downspout) and enjoying the blooms.  You may want to start considering a replacement tree, either another cherry variety or perhaps something that is a flowering native species for when you are feeling done with the tree or its decline is beyond aesthetic value.  A few flowering native trees that are similar sizes are:Redbud (Cercis canadensis and many cultivar varieties with differnt leaf colors)Flowering dogwood Winter King HawthornYellowwoodServiceberry If you have further questions about the cherry or suggesting another tree, please let us know. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 22, 2023, 1:25 PM EST
response: Thanks EmilyLooks like an end of life issue as you noted.   The tree had a 2” trunk when purchased so it’s likely 20+ years old.I greatly appreciate your help.BillOn Feb 22, 2023, at 1:15 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 22, 2023, 1:33 PM EST
response: You're welcome, happy to help.