cherry tree with "witch's broom"growth on branches

[southsoundtree]

cherry tree with \"witch\'s broom\"growth on branches

Anyone know about a disease affecting cherry trees that causes a witch's broom growth on isolated branches on all different parts of the tree. Looks like the effect of dwarf mistletoe on pines that I've seen.

Its in Olympia WA on the very wet western side of the Cascades.

I'll try to get some pictures.

 

[trees4ever]

Re: cherry tree with \"witch\'s broom\"growth on branches

It's probably Taphrina wiesneri. Very common fungal disease for cherries both wild & domestic and especially in that climate area.
Usually there is a swollen area on the branch or twig.
You can remove the witches'-broom by cutting below this area, but if the tree is heavily infested you'd be cutting away most of the tree. Some people spray during the dormant season (lime-sulfur or copper compounds) but I haven't really ever seen much improvement. The fungal spores are spread by air & water so it's very hard to prevent.