The Eastern Tent Caterpillar can defoliate cherry trees (J.R. Carmichael, 2005)

 

 

Compared to other trees such as ashes and elms, the black cherry has relatively few enemies. Threats include black knot fungus, which infects twigs and branches, overharvesting and lack of management in forest stands, and the eastern tent caterpillar, which can defoliate the tree. Its distinctive bark is actually quite thin in comparison to other trees, and so the trees are susceptible to girdling: the vascular cambium can easily be damaged. The peach bark borer feeds on the tree’s cambium, which can result in a damaged tree as well. Black cherries often react to damaged cambium by forming gum spots, which are dark streaks that can lower the value of the wood. Though not a major concern, black cherry is host to Ganoderma root and butt rot diseases. The tree also has a shallow root system that makes it susceptible to high winds. The most common disease is the cherry leaf spot, which can damage and sometimes kill the tree.