Cherry Blossom Tree Issue

Hi I’m looking for some advice for a cherry blossom.

Have three trees in my garden. About four years ago one of the trees appeared to have died off in the middle.

I have suspicions that my neighbour at the time might have poured a substance over the fence (planning conflicts!). All of the plants around the tree died and the tree lost all of its leaves.

The tree now only grows at the top end with nothing in the middle!

Has anyone ever seen/heard of this before?

Should I top the tree and hope for recovery?

Any advice/suggestions would be great!

 

Removing the top of a tree that may already be in poor health is always a risky move. It may produce shoots elsewhere or it may just decide to give up and pack it all in. To me it looks as if the tree is doing the best it can in the position it is. Often I've seen cherries pruned back hard and they have come back quite unattractive and problematic. If it's really a concern for you i would suggest removing the tree, replacing the soil / adding organic matter, and replanting with something more suitable.