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garden Trees Garden Clinic

cherry tree didn't bloom

11 months ago

Hello. My favorite tree did not bloom this year. Last year covered in leaves and pink flowers.
I noticed a new healthy shoot from the base.
1). How to bring her back to life ?
2). Thoughts on pruning, cutting back etc.
She is about 30 feet tall
Thank you

Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 months ago
mine only blooms about every third year.. its a winter cold issue.. if not a late spring heavy frost of freeze ...

where are you ... big city name.. plz include it in all garden posts...

are you aware of any out of ordinary cold event since late winter... and how bad was winter..

that aside.. these are what is known as short lived trees.. if you get 10 to 15 years.. thats about it.. before trouble starts... and even if you had a cold event... this much dead material means this tree is in decline.. to me.. it doesnt matter why.. its time for removal...

the ones you see in DC.. etc .. are removed and replaced.. more often then you might think .. its normal.. its usual..

lots of dead above.. and strong growth from ground level.. usually means most of the above it dead.. or dying.. and the root mass is trying to survive by throwing up new growth.. which may or may not be the tree you have previously loved.. depending if it was a grafted tree ... you might wait 3 to 5 years for it to bloom.. only to find out.. its not the tree you used to have..

within a few weeks.. you will give up on what hasnt leafed out.. and we will call it dead.. and it all needs to be pruned out.. and after that.. you are going to have to seriously think about what is left.. and if you really want to spend every single moment you are out there all summer.. looking at that butt ugly tree.. its usually at this point where you realize its time for you to out it out of your misery ... and good riddance..

and for a shiny penny i will tell you how i really feel about it.. lol ..

ken
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 months ago
As noted by ken, flowering or ornamental cherries are short lived trees with a host of disease and insect problems. Probably more than any other species I can think of. The tree is old and in decline and is not going to get any better! Best to consider removal and replacement sooner rather than later.
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Sometimes a cold snap in weather can cause newly swelled green buds to stop growing and fall off. Have you had any abnormally cold nights lately? Did you get anxious and over fertilize and water? Maybe the tree is still too young?? Im having somewhat of the same problem with my tree. Im at "bud burst" green bud right now. I have ONE BUD that is growing or even open and green. Im waiting to see if it will bloom or fall off. My tree is only 3 years old though. Im not sure if that matters but I have heard some young trees will bloom or partially bloom then drop flowers.
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P C
Original Author
11 months ago
Thank you Ken. For 12+ years this tree has bloomed beautifully for two weeks and provided shade through the summer.
A bit of a joke in this house. "The tree that brings me two weeks of joy". It will be a bit of a chore to remove it (close to the house). A sad moment in the garden. Thanks.

ALBANY, NY 12211 - ZONE 5B
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
11 months ago
Do you know any wood turners? Cherry is a prized wood. Maybe you could have a handsome bowl made as a souvenir of your formerly lovely tree.

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