Question
Sick Weeping Cherry
I planted a Weeping Cherry tree this summer. The tree is now oozing sap and has sprouted next to the base of tree. The lower part of the tree trunk looks as thought it has been snake bit. The bark is swollen tight and sap is oozing in several places.
AnswerThis looks like borer damage. These are insects that will bore into the tree and cause the swelling and sap leaks from the wound. This is pretty extensive damage for this small a tree trunk. The chances for survival maybe limited. I would spray the wound area with an insecticide called Merit. This will kill the insect in the trunk. Then I would fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Beyond that keep the tree watered during dry spells is about the only thing that can be done. Next spring you will know if this was successful if it leafs out. Sorry.
