[Geoff F]

Right then, lets have a look at my Pests & Disease book. I don't recommend getting a book like this because it is a bit like reading a medical dictionary; you recognise most of the symptoms and start to worry.

Main disease of Cherry trees is Silver Leaf disease. Leaves become silvered and affected branches die after a year or two. The whole tree may die. A brown stain is visible just under the bark. Purple Bracket Fungus can sometimes be found on affected stems in the autumn.

False Silver Leaf Disease produces silvery leaves but without die back of branches. This is caused by lack of water and nutrients.

Bacterial Canker. Flattened areas of bark which may exude amber coloured gum. Brown spots appear on the leaves which turn yellow and die.

Honey Fungus. Leaves yellow and wither. Whole plant gradually dies. Honey coloured toodstools can be found around the base.

The only hope is to prune out any diseased areas and wait. Sterilise cutting equipment between cuts.

I bet you wish you hadn't asked now! All you can do is to wait for symptoms to appear this summer and see what happens.

Best of luck.

Geoff.