I am wondering what to do about an ornamental cherry tree that is leaning heavily to one side, due to an imbalance of branches towards that side. The tree is approximately 2" in diameter and about 11 ft. in height. Is it possible to encourage growth on the sparse side by pruning it? There is really on one good branch near the top that I could cut back. It's been in the ground now for 3 years, and has yet to send out any new growth on that one side. Gorgeous pink popcorn flowers though, so I'm not ready to give up! Any suggestions? Thanks!
It's not falling over because of the shape of the top, it's falling over because of the roots not being able to hold it up. If it was rootbound when planted it needs to be dug up and sorted out. Do this during the winter dormant season, and not now. If heavily shaded to one side it might also be leaning into the light. Do not cut the top back.
Do you think the nature of the soil itself could be restricting the root growth as well? There is quite a bit of clay in that area (making it extremely difficult to dig) and it's likely I didn't make the hole big enough when planting. Can't say I'm exactly tickled about the prospect of going back in there! Thanks for your advice though...much appreciated. The truth hurts!
Wide shallow hole with loosened soil well beyond ends of roots at planting time optimal. Backfill with same soil that came out of hole, without modification. Cherry trees do need good drainage. If you were to avoid planting in a damp, heavy clay soil it would most easily be done by bringing in lighter weight topsoil and berming or mounding on top of the existing soil. The two layers would not be mixed together. The existing soil could be dug out and replaced with topsoil but an area wide enough to accommodate the root growth of the tree for many years would have to be excavated in order for this approach to be effective. And all the excavated soil would have to be disposed of somewhere.
