Hi, I just bought a cherry tree this spring and planted it in the back yard. We have had a fairly wet spring. I noticed ants at the base of the tree and on the branches. I also noticed a slug at the base of my tree one day. Now, I notice small holes in some of the leaves. Wondering what is going on? Three days ago I sprayed the tree with a pepper spray that I had read may help with pests. The leaves are not turning yellow or anything. Thoughts?

I doubt that the ants and the slug are doing any damage, and certainly not with the holes in the leaves. Since the leaves are not turning yellow, it is probably not cherry leafspot, which is the most common problem on cherry trees. Since the leaves are green, then it might be various insect feeding which is more unsightly than serious. You should keep an eye on the tree for further changes e.g. continued symptoms, increased damage etc. Be sure to keep the tree from stress this summer with watering and perhaps use a mulch at the base of the tree.

Thanks so much for your response, James. I did go back and check out the tree today, looks like there are SOME leaves with brown spots - these are a bit larger and not uniformly shaped and maybe on about 5-7 leaves. There are no holes in these leaves. Then there are the leaves with holes in them - they are small holes, circular in nature. Do you think this could be cherry leafspot? and if so, what should I do? I do water the tree daily and have mulch at the base. Is there a way to attach pictures of what I am discussing? Thanks. Elizabeth

Hi James, I just send you an email with pictures as a follow up. Thanks again!

after looking at the photos, the symptoms look like bacterial spot, though it doesn't like there's a huge number of infections. Since it's a bacterial thing, control is a bit more difficult because of timing. Your best bet is to control it with cultural practices. Rake up any leaves that fall. Avoid excessive fertilizing since new growth is always more susceptible to infection. Watch for cankers on the stems. If they show up, prune them. Keep the tree vigorous and avoid stresses; if the summer is dry, water the tree once a week and use a mulch around the base to hold in moisture.