Mature Cherry

[Sarahkins]

Hi all
I inherited a mature cherry tree a few years back, we'd always thought it was ornamental but after watching a Gardeners World special last year we realised it was a sweet cherry- possibly Merton Glory or Queen Anne - it is yellowy/pink and heavy cropping. The problem is a couple of years ago sap started running down the tree and gathering in spots - there is also a hole at the bottom of its trunk as though its been eaten and the trunk sounds hollow for about a metre above the hole. Its still blossoming and producing cherries but im worried that its not going to last long - Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Sarah

[nick the grief]

The sap running down sounds like its been damaged somehow and it's weeping. As to the hole & hollow sound I guess you could strip the bark off on th ehole providing you don't go around the tree othewise you'll kill it & then paint the woumds with arborex.

It may be better to take it out completly and buy a new one though as it could attract honey fungus into your garden.