Q: I need your advice on a cherry tree that I planted three years ago. The tree trunk has been developing cracks and some branches are now dead. Can I save the tree?

A: It sure looks like it was planted too deep. All trees are susceptible but cherry and plum trees are VERY susceptible to this problem.

The layer of soil at the base of the tree above the flare root line makes a great environment for destructive fungi to invade the trunk. As the fungi grows it causes the bark to crack and allow even more bad things to invade.

Stress then causes sprouts to appear at the base.

There’s not much you can do….but try gently scraping away the soil at the base of the trunk to dry out the area.

Examples of Trees Planted Too Deep