Do I Cut Out Canker From My Cherry Tree Right Away Or Wait Until Time To Prune In Fall

Question

I am gardening in zone 7a. I have a 2 year old semi dwarf antique sweet cherry tree which I noticed a few weeks ago leaking sap. I suspect from internet searches that it is canker. The tree (other than some Japanese beetle damage) is large and health looking with good green leaves. Should I attempt to cut out the canker now at the peak of the summer. I would really have to go deep into the limbs and leaves–or should I wait until fall when I would likely be pruning the tree anyway. I am a 3 year old gardener and I have never experienced this before. Should I be worried that it will spread to other trees? And is there a way to prevent (a spray?) in the future?

• 

Answer 1

Bacterial canker, currently, cannot be cured, fully. Fortunately, there are quite a few things that you can do to cut down on the infection! Pruning in dry, summer weather is, certainly, advised. This article will go over some of the things that you can do to prevent future issues:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/bacterial-canker-on-cherries.htm