Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Examine the fruit for tiny holes or soft patches.
- Look at the tips of new branches for clusters of insects.
- Check for sticky residue on the leaves.
Likely causes
Cherry Fruit Fly
Most likelyHow to tell: You might notice tiny pinprick holes on the fruit surface. Inside, the fruit will be soft and contain small white larvae.
What to do: Hang yellow sticky traps in the tree canopy in late spring to catch adults. Use an organic spinosad spray once the fruit begins to change color to protect the crop.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves will look curled or sticky with a shiny substance called honeydew. Look for clusters of tiny green or black bugs on new growth.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
When to worry
If you find larvae inside your cherries, the fruit is not edible. Aphids are usually a minor nuisance unless they are causing severe leaf curling.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the ground under your tree clear of fallen fruit to stop the life cycle of fruit flies. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your cherry tree.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- How do I know if my cherries have worms?
- If you see small holes on the skin, the fruit is likely infested. You can also float the cherries in salt water for 30 minutes to see if any larvae emerge.
- Are aphids harmful to the tree?
- They can stunt new growth and spread viruses, but they rarely kill a mature cherry tree. Treat them early to keep the tree vigorous.
More problems with Cherry tree
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.