Common Symptoms of Fireblight on Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are a bit different, but they are closely related to the cherry tree that bears fruit. They are among the most popular and preferred ornamental trees in the country, and come in a variety of species from the genus, prunus. Cherry Blossom, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Oriental Cherry, and Yoshino Cherry are just a few of the most sought after species.

They grow in zones 4 to 6, thrive in full sun, and produce profuse blooms of small, brittle pink and white flowers. This makes them very nice and beautiful additions to any landscaping. But unfortunately, cherry blossom trees are prone to a bacterial infection known as fire blight. If you have cherry trees on your property, continue reading to learn more about fire blight and how to manage an outbreak.

Contract the fire blight of the pear and apple tree

Cherry trees are not the only vegetation prone to this bacterial infection. A long list of additional trees and host plants can also be affected by fire blight. Examples include strawberries, raspberries, roses, apple trees, pear trees, and other members of the Rosaceae family. And since it is caused by a ‘Gram-negative bacteria’ called Erwinia amylovora, can easily spread from one plant or tree to another. Infection usually occurs around spring, in humid climates with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Signs and symptoms

Because the trees, the leaves, the branches and the branches begin to discolor, turning black as if burned. This is where the infection gets its name. Consequently, cankers and other surface blemishes will appear on the bark and trunk of the tree. Wounded areas may also secrete an ‘exudate-like’ discharge. These effects not only make a cherry tree unattractive, they can also kill it.

Treatment

It is important to outsource professional tree care assistance for tree diseases and infestations. They have the knowledge, tools, and training to manage the problem without the risk of spreading the bacteria to other flora and vegetation. In most cases of fire blight, professional tree service contractors will start by removing all affected areas. They then destroy the infected bits to prevent contamination. Then they finish with an antibiotic treatment and integral copper fungicide spray.

They’ll likely also suggest following up with some preventative sprays. This is not an exact schedule for fire blight treatment, as all cases vary depending on a variety of individual factors. Therefore, it is important to use a licensed and experienced tree contractor to ensure the proper methods are taken to manage your fire blight outbreak safely and effectively.