Sooty Canker on Weeping Cherry

Question

I have a large weeping cherry tree in Knoxville, Tn. I have noticed suddenly a large amount of sap and some of the bark splitting, also some brown leaves in the center. This summer has been excessively hot, 40 days in the 90s. Is this sooty canker, and what can I do?

Answer 1

It is likely not sooty canker. Sooty canker is named that because the wound looks like it is filled with soot. The weather could very well be the reason that the bark split. Cherry trees have thin bark and if temperatures have fluctuated significantly in a short period (such as 70 F to 90 F), the bark could have split due to this. It should heal on its own, but if it looks deep, have a local arborist take a look at it.