Question From: N. Rush-Yates - Talent, Oregon, United States
Q: My ornamental cherry trees have little holes in them in a line( do woodpeckers do this? ) Or borers? I have seen onlie that borers affect cherries but no mention of what they look lik or how they are spaced, etc. Also there are some cracks and round wounds on some of the trees. These are not weeping. The trees are about 7 years old and are growing beautifully so far. 4 trees planted to make shade on our patio and are now big enough to do that. I would hate to lose them. Thanks in advance for your help.
A: Woodpeckers make holes in a line, so that would be my guess. Verticlal cracks, known as frost cracks are not uncommon. Let them heal on their own. Too much nitrogen - possibly from fertilizing the grass may encourage frost cracks. Wrapping the trunks in winter or rigging a board to shade the south - south west sides of the trunks would also help.If they were my trees I'd have them checked out by a certified arborist every few years. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
