Japanese Umbrella Cherry Tree help

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aquilusdomini Jackson, MI Jun 07, 2011

In our front yard we have a Japanese Cherry Tree of the umbrella type, we don't know exactly what kind of japanese cherry tree. The issue with this tree is that it appears to have a different type of cherry tree grafted on to it that grows straight up. The straight part has been growing for the past couple years and looks ridiculous compared to the rest of the tree which umbrellas on its own naturally. My question is, would it be wise to take down the straight part of the tree? Also, when is it a good time of year to prune this type of tree?

The landscaper that put it in is more or less dust in the wind, my mom can't remember his name and we don't have the paper work anymore so we can't call him to ask what kind of tree it is, if he had the straight part grafted on for a reason, or when it's a good time to prune. Any help would be appreciated.

The tree in the early spring (mid April/early May) produces small white blossoms and then toward June produces small pinkish to bright red cherries. hmm, another good question would be: are the cherries edible?

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 08, 2011

I think you've got it a little backwards...your cherry is probably the one that's grafted on top, and the "straight part" is growth from the rootstock. I would prune it off right away, and if you see any more sprouts from the base like that I'd prune them out when you see them. The rootstock plant many times is more vigorous than the desirable plant that's grafted on top, so if you don't prune it out, then it will eventually take over.

If your cherry was developed for its ornamental properties the fruits likely wouldn't taste very good. They're edible in the sense that they're not poisonous, but they probably won't be particularly tasty.

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patti47 Lynnwood, WA(Zone 7a) Jun 08, 2011

Yes, what ecrane said.

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aquilusdomini Jackson, MI Jun 09, 2011

thank you, i'll get rid of the unsightly straight part right away and leave the cherries for the birds :D

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patti47 Lynnwood, WA(Zone 7a) Jun 11, 2011

In the future if you see straight up growth, make sure it is from beneath the grafting point. Sometimes these trees put up what appears to be straight up growth but it is actually from above the graft and will end up being a weeping branch. They can grow fairly tall but with all weeping branches. I have frequently seen these trees mishandled in this detail.

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