Trees topped :((

[Chiara]

My fantastic Polish builder has done such a great job on our house that I trusted him wholly when he recommended a supposed qualified aborist to crop a bit of height off our gorgeous cherry plum trees. Unfortunately it would seem he had no idea what he was doing as I came home to x2 completely butchered trees - every single leaf bearing branch removed. I am completely and utterly devastated

What do you recommend I do??

Do I keep them and wait for them to grow back??

Does anyone know how long this will take?!

Will we see any green this summer??

And will they ever blossom again??

How quickly might they grow back??

I'm not sure how long I can stand seeing the depressing stumps for that long...

Would be great to hear any advice or recommendations that might help us through this dreadful situation.

Thanks so much.

[Ian C]

Pretty sure they're plums of some description (probably purple plums)

Different reaction to pruning than cherries.

 

Topping is topping and there still ruined no matter what species of tree.

[Mountain man]

Topping is topping simple.

 

No it isn't, you were talking about cherries, this is a plum.

Different trees, different reaction to pruning.

Are willows/limes etc ruined? They come back ok.

[Mountain man]

Topping is topping and there still ruined no matter what species of tree.

 

Ruined as far as the Arb purists are concerned, for the average member of the public it looks fine after a seasons growth.

[Ian C]

Ruined as far as the Arb purists are concerned, for the average member of the public it looks fine after a seasons growth.

 

Your right most people in the street think this is how it should be done but the lady is asking professionals on a forum so yes to a pro there ruined.

[Ian C]

No it isn't, you were talking about cherries, this is a plum.

Different trees, different reaction to pruning.

Are willows/limes etc ruined? They come back ok.

 

Seen loads of plum topped and they just look like bog brushes in a few years , topped limes are just as bad they end up looking like a rats nest as for willows and conifers they can look ok topped and grow for fun.

[Mountain man]

Re read the OP, clarify for yourself what questions she actually asks.

[Ian C]

Re read the OP, clarify for yourself what questions she actually asks.

 

She asked if the would be ok WTF you going on about its bloody abvious a builder has butchered them .

[timbernut]

Why not replace "top" with "pollard"

[timbernut]

And cut them off two ft above fence allowing a new crown to form the outer shoots will soon start to grow laterally and a new natural looking crown will eventually develop

[bumble B]

Their are various possible outcomes and their choices on this.

You acknowledge this is a homeowner here, yet you fail professionalism by misspelling profanity! Not wishing to create enemies here, but there is a whole vocabulary out there to use.

 

 

Sir. I was not aware that my remark was directed towards the enquirer. No offence was intended to any parties by my jovial remark neither was there any offence taken at your misinterpretation. Indeed there is a wealth of vocabulary that can be used to describe many things, my choice of word used (deliberately misspelt) is valid for the condition of the trees in question. Agreed there is also more than one course of action that can be taken.

In my professional opinion. The trees in question appear to have been pruned in a harsh manner not in accordance with any recommended pruning technique. They may shoot vigorously over the next few years but I believe the enquirer views them now as an eyesore? You could plant a good standard and have 5 years much better growth with less outlay.