ASK DIARMUID

QMy ornamental flowering cherry tree is dying and brought no buds this spring. Is there anything I can do?

AI’m

afraid it sounds like it’s over for your cherry tree – certainly going by your pictures. A good test when you’re not sure about a shrub is to scrape your nail or a knife against the bark of a stem – if it’s alive you will see some green tissue. Ornamental cherry trees tend to have shortish lives so it’s likely just coming to its natural end. You can see this as an opportunity to plant a gorgeous new tree!