# Why Is My Cherry Tree Losing Leaves?
You can grow cherry trees in the garden both as ornamental trees with their masses of white or pink spring blooms and for their sweet or tart fruit. The trees grow best in areas of full sun and in well-drained, fertile soil. A fungal disease is the likely cause of defoliation in trees.
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Identification
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Cherry trees are susceptible to armillaria root rot caused by Armillaria mellea. The disease is also referred to as oak root fungus. The fungus is more prevalent in trees growing in poorly drained ground.
Damage
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The fungus infects the tree through the roots and usually progresses rapidly. Early symptoms include stunted and yellowing foliage accompanied with early defoliation. Shoots are also stunted in growth, and there is dieback. Foliage damage starts in certain areas of the trees and gradually spreads. Fine, black, threadlike fungal growth is visible on roots.
Management
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Armillaria is fatal if more than half of the tree crown is affected. Remove these trees entirely with roots. In less infected trees, prune and remove all affected areas. Use resistant varieties. Keep trees in good health with adequate irrigation and fertilization for better disease resistance.
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