Q.weeping cherry tree
We just bought our house and the garden had been abandoned. We have a weeping cherry tree but it is having some issues. There is a huge branch growing from the base of the trunk that appears healthy. However, the top of the tree is extremely dry. There is a tiny part near the base that is peeling too. We moved in over the summer and never saw flowers or cherries. We looked at the house in april and didn’t see any then either. Should I trim the large branch at the bottom off? Also, should I cut off all the dead ones on top? Do you think I can bring it back to life?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, most weeping cherries are grafted. The top is a weeping cherry, while the roots are from a sturdier tree. Once the top dies, the root tree will try to reassert itself as the whole tree by growing those shoots, called suckers, at the bottom.
This article will help you determine for sure if the top of the tree is dead/dying. If it is, then you will not be able to bring it back: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
For more information on pruning and removing suckers, the following articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/weeping-cherry/pruning-weeping-cherry.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm