Cherry Tree Root Cut During Construction: Likely Dead

Mature cherry had roots cut on one side 3.5 weeks ago. Leaves went limp, stayed green 3 weeks, now yellow/brown falling. Alive?

Test

Scrape bark on upper branches: green = alive; brown = dead. Work down. If all brown, tree dead.

Prognosis

• >⅓ root loss → severe dieback or death.
• Cherry very sensitive to root cutting; bacterial cankers often follow.
• Most likely dead.

If Dead

Remove promptly to prevent pathogen spread.

Bottom Line

Check cambium. Probably dead. Cherries don’t tolerate root loss. Remove if no green found.