Why Is My Cherry Tree Trunk Splitting?

Question

Please see the images of my cherry tree. The trunk is splitting and I’d love to find out why so I can try to treat it as soon as possible. Is this an insect (e.g., termites) or worm problem or something else? I’m located in Southern California (for an idea of the climate). What solutions would you suggest? Thanks for your help.

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Answer 1

This is very unfortunate. It appears to be the early symptoms of Ganoderma rot. This is untreateable, even in early stages. You can expect the tree's fast decline in 5 years or less.

When the fruiting bodies form, they still have some use. All forms of Ganoderma posses medicinal qualities.

Here is an article with more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/ganoderma-root-rot-disease.htm