Sour Cherry Tree Decline: Herbicide Damage Suspected

10-year-old sour cherry produced no fruit, is dying. Other yard plants (except hollies) show similar symptoms. Owner used pesticide but not near cherry.

Likely Cause: Herbicide Exposure

Multiple species affected suggests environmental cause, not disease. Lawn "weed and feed" fertilizers containing herbicide are a common culprit — they damage broadleaf trees. Liquid herbicides are generally safer around trees.

Action

Identify what was applied to the lawn. If herbicide-containing fertilizer was used, deep watering may help flush residues. Avoid future use of broadleaf herbicides near tree root zones.