SWEET CHERRY STELLA ADVICE PLEASE

[betula]

I planted a sweet cherry today.I noticed it has some bark missing about 1 inch long half an inch across.What is the best way to treat this as I am concerned about Discease getting into the tree.?

[betula]

[star]

I was always taught not to seal cherry wounds in case you 'locked' in a pathogen. Most good suppliers or reputable garden centres will refund or exchange damaged plants.

It might be worth ringing where you bought your Stella from and see what they say.

[betula]

Thanks Star,I got it from Morrisons :-[ not too much advice there I reckon.

I should have had a good look at it before I planted it but It was raining and I was rushing.

That's my excuse anyway ;D ;D

[star]

Morrisons will change it.....good customer relations and all that. You just need your reciept ;)

[dtw]

My cats are always ripping away at the bark of my stella cherry,
it doesn't seem to do the tree much harm, apart from it looking a bit skanky.

[Rosa_Mundi]

Try putting some coiled tree guards on - I know of a couple of young trees killed by cats who decided to use them as scratching posts. It's best to break them of the habit.

[jennym]

If you are concerned about small wounds on tree bark, you can smear a coating of vaseline over it. It won't hurt the tree and may put your mind at rest.

You are probably aware though, that when it gets older, the outer layers of bark may peel off naturally, this is nothing to worry about and varies with variety.