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The Daily Insight

Why does my cherry tree have red spots?

Author

Christopher Pierce

Published May 26, 2026

Why does my cherry tree have red spots?

While many insects or disease pathogens can cause spots on trees, when it comes to red spots on the leaves of a cherry tree, the culprit is typically the result of a fungal disease commonly known as cherry leaf spot. Cherry leaf spot can affect all varieties of cherry trees, including sweet, sour and ornamental.

Is cherry leaf spot fatal?

Cherry leaf spot can be a devastating disease for tart cherries. Leaf spot can be severe in one area and absent a few miles away. Leaf spots are first purple but eventually turn brown.

Will a cherry leaf spot kill a tree?

Cherry leaf spot is the most important disease of tart cherry. Early defoliation caused by cherry leaf spot infection (August, early September) reduces the ability of trees to store photosynthate in roots, leading to an overall loss of vigor and leaving trees more susceptible to killing by winter injury.

Why would a cherry tree die?

Cherry trees typically start to die because of improper watering, environmental stress, a lack of nutrients, or disease. However, the two most common issues are overwatering and environmental stress—such as temperature swings or transplant shock. Once the source of stress is reduced, the tree should recover.

What kind of cherry tree has pink flowers?

The Prunus ‘Little Pink Perfection’ is a pink flowering cherry tree with showy pink double flowers that bloom during April and May. The delightful dwarf cherry blossom tree also has green, lance-shaped leaves that turn shades of orange and red in the fall.

What kind of soil does a mini cherry tree need?

Thanks to its compact growth, the mini pendulous cherry tree is an ideal tree for small gardens, tight spaces, or growing in pots on a balcony or patio. The small deciduous cherry tree with arching branches grows in full sun and moist, well-draining soil.

Where can I get a dwarf cherry tree?

In episode 7 of The Urban Forestry Radio Show and Podcast Dr. Bob Bors of the University of Saskatchewan talks about their dwarf cherry shrub breeding program. Cherry shrubs are terrific if you’re interested in growing cherries for cooking and processing.

How big should a dwarf weeping cherry tree be?

Last but not least, if you plan to plant more than one dwarf weeping cherry trees make sure that you will leave twenty feet between them. If you want to learn how to take care this beautiful tree, you must read this: Taking care of your dwarf cherry tree is the most important thing.

Why are the leaves on my dwarf cherry tree turning yellow?

Cherry Leaf Spot. Cherry leaf spot is a foliar fungal disease that creates light-gray or brown to dark-purple spots on the upper surfaces of the dwarf cherry tree’s leaves. The leaves may turn yellow and the spots can dry then fall out of the leaves. Cherry leaf spot can also damage cherry fruits.

Why are there red spots on my Cherry Tree?

I was able to confirm that the “red spots” are normal as cherry trees produce a leaf stalk (petiole) that often has 2 or more ‘nectar glands’ (your “red spots”). They are known as extrafloral nectaries. These are separate from the flower.

What kind of cherry tree has leaf spot?

English Morello cherry trees are most commonly afflicted with leaf spot, and the disease is considered to be serious in the Midwest, New England states, and Canada. The disease is so prevalent that it has been estimated to infect 80% of eastern United States orchards.

What does shot hole on cherry tree look like?

The “shot hole” appearance is more common on sour cherries than sweet varieties. Older leaves yellow prior to dropping from the tree and severely infected trees may become defoliated by the middle of summer. Spores are produced on the underside of leaf lesions and look like a white to pinkish mass at the center of the lesion.