Ornamental Cherry Tree daaged - Ask Extension
I had a very large and beautiful ornamental cherry tree in my front yard. Last year during our week-long ice storm, it lost 3/4 of it canopy. Now it l...
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Ornamental Cherry Tree daaged #889343
Asked November 04, 2024, 5:57 PM EST
I had a very large and beautiful ornamental cherry tree in my front yard. Last year during our week-long ice storm, it lost 3/4 of it canopy. Now it looks very straggly and I'm wondering if it is worth it to keep the tree? Will it grow into its once beautiful canopy again? Or is it best to have the tree taken down?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Jackie,
So sorry your tree was damaged. However, it does have some tremendous growth. If you are patient, it will probably return to provide shade. The dead branches should be removed this next summer. Limited pruning cuts throughout the next few years will most likely give you the canopy you are looking for.
I do not see any cankers or dead small twigs which can be indicative of disease. However, that said, I cannot look very closely at the tree overall.
So, my answer is yes it will come back but slowly. If you prune it correctly over time.
I am attaching a pruning guide for your review. When you do prune, cut to the trunk, if at all possible, in other words take the entire branch out. You will avoid the tree growing 5-10 little sprouts from the same cut.
Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard | OSU Extension Service
Another suggestion: place composted organic material around the base of the tree now and again in the spring. It takes time for the organic material to break down and you do not want nitrogen there now as it may cause the tree to start new leaves which may be frozen this winter. Leave a space between the trunk and the compost about 6 inches. Pile the compost up to 6 inches deep. It will start decomposing and reduce in height.
If you have any further questions, please contact us again. Thank you for your question.
So sorry your tree was damaged. However, it does have some tremendous growth. If you are patient, it will probably return to provide shade. The dead branches should be removed this next summer. Limited pruning cuts throughout the next few years will most likely give you the canopy you are looking for.
I do not see any cankers or dead small twigs which can be indicative of disease. However, that said, I cannot look very closely at the tree overall.
So, my answer is yes it will come back but slowly. If you prune it correctly over time.
I am attaching a pruning guide for your review. When you do prune, cut to the trunk, if at all possible, in other words take the entire branch out. You will avoid the tree growing 5-10 little sprouts from the same cut.
Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard | OSU Extension Service
Another suggestion: place composted organic material around the base of the tree now and again in the spring. It takes time for the organic material to break down and you do not want nitrogen there now as it may cause the tree to start new leaves which may be frozen this winter. Leave a space between the trunk and the compost about 6 inches. Pile the compost up to 6 inches deep. It will start decomposing and reduce in height.
If you have any further questions, please contact us again. Thank you for your question.
