• Flowering cherry trees are susceptible to a number of diseases.Flowers on cherry tree image by Tomasz Kawecki from Fotolia.com
  
  Flowering cherry trees are popular ornamental trees in the landscape. Though these trees are secondary in importance to the more functional shade trees, the flowering cherry trees are planted for their masses of flowers in different colors which provide beauty and seasonal interest to landscapes. Flowering cherry trees do not bear edible fruit. Flowering cherry trees are susceptible to a number of bacterial and fungal diseases and insect infestations.
  
  

Powdery Mildew

• Ornamental cherry trees are susceptible to the fungal disease powdery mildew. The disease can be caused by a number of different fungi and is characterized by the appearance of a white to gray coating on foliage or other tree parts. In earlier stages of the disease, this coating can easily be rubbed off the leaves. As the disease progresses, it leads to the appearance of circular, powdery white spots on the trees. Powdery mildew is more common in hot and humid weather. Management of disease includes the prompt removal of fallen tree debris from under the tree. Chemical control includes the use of Bacillus subtilis, potassium bicarbonate or neem oil on the affected trees.
  
  

Brown Rot Blossom Blight

• Brown rot blossom blight is a serious disease in stone fruit trees and flowering cherries and plums. The fungal disease affects the flowers, foliage, twigs and branches of the trees and leads to wilting, brown flowers covered with spores. The disease causes dieback of twigs and branches accompanied by heavy gumming of infected areas. Brown rot blossom blight fungus overwinters on the infected parts of the tree and gets active during the wet spring season. Control includes removal and disposal of infected tree parts and the use of sulfur or copper fungicides during wet weather.
  
  

Phytophthora Root Rot

• Phytophthora root rot affects a wide number of plant species including flowering cherry, dogwood and holly. The soil borne fungal disease is more common in plants planted in heavy clay and poorly drained soil and causes yellowing, wilting and browning leaves. The tree health continues to decline as the disease progresses. Phytophthora root rot can lead to plant death if not controlled in time. The spores of the fungal can survive in soil for extended periods of time. Control includes avoiding planting in damp soil, removing infecting plants immediately and using plant varieties which are more resistant to the disease. Chemical control is rarely able to help infected plants regain their prior vigor.