Question
Hi!  We have a GORGEOUS old tree by the house..beautiful pink blossoms in the spring....told it was some kind of cherry when we bought the house, and blossoms LOOK like a cherry, but doesn't produce anything.  Problem:  some of the limbs are getting a white crust, leaves on them are dying, and it is spreading rapidly.  What is it,  are our OTHER trees in danger from it, and what do we do about it?  HELP! We LOVE this tree!
THANK YOU !!!!!!!

Answer
Susan:
This tree may have some level of decay inside.  It may be in the main stem or in some of the branches.  Pruning the dead branches may offer some help.  Do this during the dormant season.  Removing the dead portions can be useful.  If the decay is in the main stem(s) then not much you can do there- this situation is a slow and progressive decline.  Good fertilization (based on a soil test) plus a good watering regime (especially during hot/dry weather periods is about the best you can do to prolong those blossoms each season. I wish there was a magic bullet, but unfortunately there isn't.  Also, be sure to avoid any kind of damage to the base of the tree- things like stringtrimmers and lawnmowers can be brutal on trees.

Hope this helps!

Steve