Hi all,
I have a Black Star sweet cherry that I planted in ground in the spring of 2014. This will be its 3 rd leave.
The first branch/scaffold started at about 4 ft. It has grown well. No flowers yet. It should flower by next year. Last fall, I painted the trunk with latex paint up to the first scaffold.
I would like to convert this tree to a KGB style. I know it should be done at planting. I just have an urge to do it even if it sets the tree back a couple of years.
If I head cut this tree to 2 ft tall, will there be a chance that lower branches could be developed?. I think there are some buds in the lower part of the tree. Would those buds be able to develop through a thin layer of latex paint?
I won’t do it if there is a good chance that it will be dead.
Would like to hear your thoughts about this, please?
I am pretty sure you will get branches. I headed a 4" diameter scaffold on my Montmorency last spring and it grew back new limbs.
I would also consider bending branches down on your current tree, you can get a low surface that way. For my yard I prefer the 4’ trunk to get things out of deer range, so I do a lot of that.
Thanks, Scott and Drew. Glad to hear it would not be dead if I head it low.
I’ve to think about it.
Drew - your KGB style inspires me. I’ve already had two other cherry nearby in an open vase shape for easy netting. They grow like a big umbrella. Easy to net indeed.
I also planted this one quite close to the other two so I don’t think I could afford another umbrella shape as branches from all three trees will cross one another. So, I think KGB might work. I could do a modified KGB
Thank you very much, Scott and Drew for your responses.
