Can a Weeping Cherry Tree Regrow from Its Stump?

Yes, a weeping cherry tree (Prunus subhirtella Pendula) can potentially regrow from its stump if it has been cut down, but several conditions must be met for successful regrowth.

Health of the Stump

The stump should be healthy and have live tissue. If the stump is too damaged or diseased, regrowth may not occur. Assess the stump for signs of decay or disease. If there are no live tissues present, regrowth will not be possible.

Growing Conditions

Adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients are essential for the tree's recovery. Ensure the area around the stump is well-maintained to provide these conditions. Regularly check the moisture levels and fertilize as needed, paying close attention to the signs of new growth.

Time of Year

The best time to encourage regrowth is during the growing season, specifically in spring to early summer, when the tree is actively growing. During this period, the tree is most likely to produce new shoots and roots.

Pruning

If regrowth occurs, proper pruning can help manage the new shoots and encourage a healthier structure. Remove any dead or weak branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.

Other Considerations

Cherry trees of various varieties are sometimes grafted together. To create a weeping cherry tree, a non-weeping variety is often used for the rootstock. The top of the non-weeping variety is cut several feet above the ground, and a scion or ring of weeping variety twigs/small branches is grafted onto the cut. This means that the resulting tree may have both non-weeping and weeping portions.

Often, a weeping cherry tree may have a stump left from the grafting process. These stumps can sometimes produce suckers or new shoots. If both portions of the grafted tree survived, you may be able to collect suckers from the weeping portion and try to grow them out. Chances are, however, that only the non-weeping portion of the tree may regrow from the stump.

Cherry trees are known for their ability to produce suckers from the base of the trunk. Suckers can be cut off at the base and will easily grow roots and start growing a new tree. There are many guides available that can help you with this process, even if you are a novice gardener.

Recovery or Replacement?

It is possible that the tree may recover on its own. However, if it does not, you should consider what is left of the stump. If only the non-weeping portion of the tree remains, the resulting regrown tree may not have the same shape or characteristics as the original weeping cherry. It may be dead or simply not regrow.

Conclusion

If your tree does not regrow, it is important to plant a new one. This not only honors the memory of the beloved plant but also ensures continued enjoyment of flowering and fruit trees. As the old saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.