Question
I have a weeping cherry tree that is about 24 years old.  Recently I noticed a growth on the trunk of the tree near the grown about the size and shape of a softball.  There is sap oozing out of the growth.  What is this and how do I treat it?  Thank you.

Answer
There are two possibilities.  One is crown gall, which is a bacterial disease for which there is no cure and mortality is the end result.  The other could be black knot or a wood rotting fungal growth.  Do a google search for these problems and I think you can figure out which one it is.  Only the black knot is treatable.  Let me know if I can be of further assistance.  Thanks.