Ornamental Cherry: Leaf spot
categories: Ornamental Cherry Ornamental Cherry Diseases Ornamental trees Ornamentals
last review date: 2025-06-30 10:19
Photo by: C.R. Foss
Biology
Leaf spot on cherry first appears as small circular, purple spots on the leaves about the time they reach full size. Infections begin in the spring and continue through late summer. The spots turn brown and enlarge.
The centers may drop out, giving a “shothole” appearance to the affected leaves, or the leaves may turn yellow and drop, sometimes resulting in severe defoliation. This fungal disease overwinters on fallen leaf debris and attacks new leaves in the spring.
Mild, wet summer weather promotes infection, which can only occur on wet foliage.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Rake and destroy all fallen leaves and debris under trees.
- Avoid overhead watering. If overhead irrigation is necessary, limit it to times when foliage can dry quickly.
- Space plantings and prune to provide good air circulation.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Apply fungicide at petal fall, shuck fall and 2 weeks later. (Shuck fall: when flower petals have fallen away from young fruit).
- Sulfur products may cause plant damage if applied at temperatures greater than 85 degrees F.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
Additional Image
Photo by: R.S. Byther
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Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.