Question
I have been having troubles with my miniature weeping cherry that i planted approximately 8 months ago.  I think I have figured out what is causing the problem,  I believe it is scale bugs.  I have no real knowledge though about the tree and found this answer on a web site but it does fit the trees symptoms.  So how do I cure my tree from scale bugs? I'm afraid that my tree may already be to far gone.  At the base of my tree it appears that something has eaten its way out of the tree or something.  i believe that it may have been swelled at the base of the tree were it is now blown out.  It is exposed all the way to the core.  So what should I do to try and save my tree?

Answer
Hi Betty:
Scale insects can be a pest to many plants. There are a lot of different scale insects.  Use your computer and "Google Images" to see some of these.  They do their damage by sucking out the plant juices. There are several effective insecticides.  One relatively new one to look at is Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control.  It is a liquid concentrate that comes in a blue plastic bottle. You will have to mix it with water according to the directions.  Be sure to read the label also for the plants to which it is safe to apply to. It can be found at many of the larger box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's plus many bigger garden centers.  It can be applied to the soil rather than sprayed on the plant.

From your description of the tree base, scale insects may not be the only issue.  An open area at the base may indicate other things like insects or diseases that have lead to a rotten area or decay to some level. Unfortunately, this decay is a progressive decline for which there is no cure- just prevention of wounds to the bark that are often made by insects or mechanical injury.  Ultimate replacement may be an option to definitely consider.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Steve