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Tree problem, please help!

Green_FalcoGreen_Falco Posts: 27
in Problem solving
Our cherry blossom (prunus shirofugen) tree has been planted for 18 months. In hindsight we didn’t buy the best looking specimen (it was on offer).

It is looking better now, however it’s flopping forwards and the canopy it too low down. I’m hoping to have a clear trunk with a thick canopy higher up to provide some privacy from the overlooking houses (please see images).

Please can anyone help?









Many thanks
GF

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Patience is what you need ... the canopy will be higher up as the tree grows ... it won't happen all at once. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited June 2021
    Once the tree is established, like yours is after 18 months, it should tolerate removing the lowest three or four young branches before the foliage appears.  This will encourage the main stem (leader) to increase in height and the other branches behind it to expand, enabling you to raise the canopy gradually. Give the tree a feed with organic fertiliser such as blood fish and bone or seaweed extract and water it according to weather conditions.  Patience is still required as mentioned above!  Have another look at your tree's progress next year and remove another small number of lower branches to enhance the shape and canopy.  I've done this with several Sorbus species to improve light getting to the plants below and to hide views of anything other than plants!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Green_FalcoGreen_Falco Posts: 27
    Dovefromabove said:
    Patience is what you need ... the canopy will be higher up as the tree grows ... it won't happen all at once. 
    Plantminded said:
    Once the tree is established, like yours is after 18 months, it should tolerate removing the lowest three or four young branches before the foliage appears.  This will encourage the main stem (leader) to increase in height and the other branches behind it to expand, enabling you to raise the canopy gradually. Give the tree a feed with organic fertiliser such as blood fish and bone or seaweed extract and water it according to weather conditions.  Patience is still required as mentioned above!  Have another look at your tree's progress next year and remove another small number of lower branches to enhance the shape and canopy.  I've done this with several Sorbus species to improve light getting to the plants below and to hide views of anything other than plants!
    Thanks both, happy to be patient, I just don’t want it to keep bending forwards (as opposed to growing upwards).

    I’ll look forward to next year and will remove the lower branches in late summer.

    Thanks again,
    GF
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hi GF, it's important to restrict any pruning of flowering cherries to late May - July while the tree is in active growth.  This will enable the tree to heal pruning cuts quickly and it reduces the chance of the cuts becoming infected with fatal diseases like bacterial canker or silver leaf.  There may be a way to improve the way your tree is leaning which other experienced tree growers on the forum could advise you on.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited June 2021
    You can tie-in a cane to the trunk and leader to straighten it.  You'll need to use proper soft ties and check they aren't getting too tight.  Trees are still quite flexible at this age.  You'll be able to remove it in a year or two.  If you try that, I suggest painting the can black first to hide it.  Alternatively, you could attach some cord to the fence and pull it upright that way.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Green_FalcoGreen_Falco Posts: 27
    BobTheGardener said:
    You can tie-in a cane to the trunk and leader to straighten it.  You'll need to use proper soft ties and check they aren't getting too tight.  Trees are still quite flexible at this age.  You'll be able to remove it in a year or two.  If you try that, I suggest painting the can black first to hide it.  Alternatively, you could attach some cord to the fence and pull it upright that way.
    Thanks Bob, I’ll give it a go 
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