Japanese Weeping Cherry Tree

[mitchie22]

My friend has a Japenese weeping cherry tree, lately the bark has started to fall away from the trunk, it also has a hole at the bottom of the trunk at ground level. Anyone know what is causing this or any ideas how she can save this tree? Although there is obviously a problem it still bloomed this year. It is approximately 12years old. Any ideas would be very grateful

[woofgang]

my guess would be bacterial canker
https://www.plantvillage.com/en/topics/cherry-including-sour/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cherry+bacterial+canker&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&;sa=X&ei=pI1YVdLNL5PggwTk2YDADg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1443&bih=771

[DTCwordfan]

Got a cherry here and it does sound like canker.....

In July, cut away the dead bits and any branches affected and burn or landfill them - if you have access to some Bordeaux Mixtureaka Vitax, or Bayer Garden Veg and Fruit control (not sold now), then apply three times from Sep to Nov. Otherwise try a Myclobutanil Cypermethrin product.

[Chipchopper]

I, also considered that it could be bacterial canker.
Has any weeping gum been noticed around the hole ?
If the tree has had a physical injury, like a knock with a mower etc, its possible that pathogens may have entered through a wound.

[mitchie22]

Thanks to everybody for your help x

[mitchie22]

Have managed to get Bayer garden vegetable and fruit control for the canker. Would it be advisable to get a tree bandage for the hole at the bottom of the trunk?