By Goldfinch68
United Kingdom 
We planted our Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis tree about eight years ago and its now 15 feet tall. Suddenly this summer the leaves have all turned brown. Can't see any evidence of pests. Is this due to the drought? All other plants, shrubs and trees still look healthy. What should we do? We've started pouring water around the base of the tree. Will it recover?
19 Jun, 2011
Answers
Cherries suffer more in drought situations because their roots are pretty close to the surface - and it was an extensive period of drought. Leave the hose trickling at the base for a couple of hours or overnight if you can. Should recover as long as there are no other symptoms.
19 Jun, 2011
Thanks very much - since the rain last week the water butt is full so we have been pouring buckets of water on the roots today - hoping it will recover.
19 Jun, 2011
You have probably got the answer and the solution in your question. I had a similar problem though not as bad as yours sounds with a prunus in a very hot summer a couple of years ago and lots of water helped it recover.
Lots and lots of water too. Good luck with it.
19 Jun, 2011