Rescuing an over pruned cherry blossom tree

Hi,

We planted a cherry blossom tree for my son's first birthday. I think it is a Yoshino cherry but am not certain. We've had it for 2 years (and think it was 2-3 years old when we got it). The nursery must have done some pruning as the leader had been cut. I pruned it for the first time this year as the main/thicker branches of the tree seemed to be growing straight up with much thinner lower branches. It was about 7/8 ft tall and had no lateral branches at all. I probably pruned 6-7 branches off and shortened the remaining branches to try and encourage growth. I have also weighed the branches down to spread them. This is this first time I have tried to prune/shape a tree. I did some research online beforehand, but following some further reading, I'm worried that I have over pruned / pruned it wrongly and that I may have butchered and ruined the tree. (See pictures. Before and after taken about 1.5 months apart). It's got me quite upset! I would appreciate any advice on how to rescue the tree so it can grown into its proper shape. Thanks!

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner Cherry Tree. The tree you have is not Yoshino which has a more open habit. Yours is one of the columnal cherries which has upright growth. Unfortunately you've either been sold the wrong tree or any label attached was wrong.

I gather from the third picture that you've pruned the tree and to be perfectly honest I don't think it will come to much as you've tried to completely change it's shape. I think you have two choices......

1. To abandon the tree, dig it up and start again with the tree you really want.
2. Take off the weights and let it grow naturally into any shape it may form now and accept how it looks having pruned it.

 

Nope, you've knackered it. Don't waste any more of your time - remove and replant.