Cherry Tree No Bloom, Black Leaves, Red Sap: Borers, Not Ants

12-year-old cherry in S. Alabama: no bloom, leaves black/dead. Mild winter. Large ant mound at base. Red sap weeping from lower trunk.

Ants Minor; Borers Likely

Ants exploit decay, don't cause it. Red sap = borer activity (tunneling). Insecticides struggle to reach internal borers. Most effective as preventatives.

Action

Contact county Extension for on-site evaluation. Tree may be too far gone—borer damage often fatal once canopy dies.