Wilting Leaves on My Cherry Tree

Identification

• Cherry trees are susceptible to the bacterial leaf scorch disease, also known as oleander leaf scorch, caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The disease is commonly transmitted by insects such as sharpshooters. The insect transmits the disease while feeding on plant tissue.

Symptoms

• Bacterial leaf scorch is more prevalent during spring and summer and is characterized by yellowing and wilting tree foliage. Leaf margins turn brown or yellow before dying. The disease starts with a few branches and then spreads throughout the tree. Severely infected trees gradually die.

Management

• There is no known cure for bacterial leaf scorch. Prune and remove all infected plant areas. The use of insecticides to control bacterial transmitting pests is rarely effective. Remove moderately infected trees early to minimize transmission of disease to other landscape plants.