Cherry blossoms are a bit different from fruit cherry trees, but they are closely related to them. They are among the most popular and preferred ornamental trees in the country, and come in a variety of species of the genus, Prunus. Cherry Blossom, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Oriental Cherry, and Yoshino Cherry are just a few of the most requested species.
They grow in zones 4 through 6, thrive in full sun and produce abundant blooms of small, fragile pink and white blooms. This makes them very nice and beautiful additions to any landscaping. But unfortunately, cherry blossoms are prone to a bacterial infection known as Fire Blight. If you have cherry trees on your property, read on to learn more about Fire Blight and how to handle an outbreak.
Contracting Fire Blight
Cherry trees are not the only vegetation prone to this bacterial infection. A long list of additional host trees and plants can also be affected by the 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, it can be easily spread from one plant or tree to another. The infection usually occurs around spring, in humid climates with temperatures that range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Signs and symptoms
For trees, the leaves, twigs, and branches begin to fade, turning black as if burned. This is where the infection gets its name. As a result, cankers and other surface blemishes will appear on the tree’s bark and trunk. Wounded areas may also secrete an ‘exudate-like’ discharge. These effects not only make a cherry tree unappealing, but 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 handle the problem without risk of spreading the bacteria to other flora and vegetation. In most Fire Blight cases, professional tree service contractors will begin by removing all affected areas. They then destroy the infected parts to avoid contamination. Then they finish with a full spray of copper fungicide and an antibiotic treatment.
They also likely suggest a follow-up with some preventative sprays. This is not an exact itinerary for Fire Blight treatment, as all cases vary based on a variety of individual factors. Therefore, it is important to use a licensed and experienced tree contractor to ensure that the proper methods are in place to handle your Fire Blight outbreak safely and effectively.