Flowering Cherry

Over the last two years I've noticed some of the upper branches have died off & this year the bark on the trunk has started to split reavealing the wood underneath, but there is no bleeding or sap showing on the trunk. I'd estimate the tree to be about 35 years old. Could the tree be on its 'last legs'?

 

Good evening, and welcome to the site. It could very well be on it`s way out. However, I wouldn`t give up on it yet. It obviously wants work done on it,ie, the dead stuff needs to come out and maybe a bit of cosmetic pruning to tidy it up. Your shout really, is the tree worth the time, effort and expense it will take?

 

Hi polypody

Would it be possible for you to post a few pictures of the tree, just to help with diagnosing the problem. It sounds like some sort of canker or other infection that's affecting the amount of water flowing through the trees vascular system.