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Cherry tree

andy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRRandy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRR Posts: 7
in Plants
Hi all I am new to the forum and new to gardening but really enjoy it and having trouble with what I thing is a cherry tree. Basically it is just growing upwards without any branches coming off to the side. How do I resolve this. It has just come into flower if that makes a difference

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Hi @andy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRR and welcome to the forum 😊 

    Can you post some pictures of your tree please?  That should give us the information we need to be able to help you. 

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





  • andy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRRandy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRR Posts: 7
    Hope the pics help. There is also a bush/tree behind the cherry tree can anyone identify that please as that also needs some help
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719


    Have  turned your pics.
    Mystery shrub with red flowers is a Rhododendron.

    Some cherry trees are fastigiate....and will always be slim.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=fastigiate+cherry+tree&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjA1IuQ38X-AhVYQaQEHVtsBeUQ_AUoAXoECAQQAw&biw=1280&bih=595&dpr=1.5
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • andy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRRandy.gaskell5571CvVv-CRR Posts: 7
    sorry thanks for the update. Not the rhododendron the tall tree like plant behind that. Cherry tree did have branches from some old pics I have but nearly died off a year ago. I cut it back to bring it back.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719


    Looked more closely.
    You have lost growing tip.
    If grafted you may now be left with growth from the the root stock.

    Quote.
    ...."Not the rhododendron the tall tree like plant behind that."

    You need to post clear pics.
    Not sure which one you mean.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • pinutpinut Posts: 194
    This is similar to the plum tree that I advised on: 

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1072553/dwarf-plum-tree-shape


    Basically, the original leader (central trunk) has been cut and a new leader has taken over.

    For now do nothing - just let it grow unchecked.

    Once it has reached the desired height, prune off the tip at the very top. This will force/redirect growth lower down to produce side shoots.





  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    It rather depends where the graft is.
    Top or bottom.
    If graft is at the top, that is lost./snapped/dead/removed.
    Tree will  just grow to be the wild common tree used  for the root.

    If grafted near the ground then new growth will be the special named tree.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    edited April 2023
    I've noticed shops are stocking more of these overly pruned single stems fruit trees as they can fit them in smaller bags and pack lots in small spaces. They also advertise some to grow on patio or in pots.

    I bought the following single stemmed crab apple tree 5 years ago and it still has a single stem with very few side shoots.




    In your case perhaps: keep pruning the main shoot to allow for new shoots to grow near the cut, and keep repeating over the years.

    Personally, I would buy another proper tree from a reputable garden centre to replace this one, and move this one in the back of a border for height.
    I wish I could garden all year round!
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