Droopy Canadian Cherry tree

Question: Hi CSU, I have a Canadian Cherry tree that droops at the top. The tree is nearly 10 years old. 3 years ago, I thought I had lost it as a late spring snow storm toppled it to the ground after it had leafed out whereby the tree was completely bent over with the top touching the ground.  I restaked it and it seemed to recover from the trauma. The problem is the very top part won't grow straight up. I have guy wires supporting it but the part above the last guy wire seems to grow outward and not up. Thanks,Dan

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 9:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Daniel,  Thanks for sending photos - that's always helpful to understanding the issue. A few clarifying questions for you: does the tree seem unstable at the top? Does the bend correspond to where the snow damaged the tree in the past? It makes sense that snow damage to a young tree would impact the growth habit.  Best wishes, The Boulder County Extension Colorado Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 11:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Master Gardener, To answer your questions, the late snowfall that damaged the tree was. over 3 years ago, therefore the very top of the tree that’s floppy wasn’t grown yet. After the storm,  I got the tree back upright and staked it from 2 sides and the tree growing straight again.  As the new growth that was above the part of the tree that was staked with rope was not confined by any ropes. Instread of growing straight up, it started growing towards the south at about a 30 degree angle. Last week, I moved the support rope higher up on the tree, the tallest part not constrained by the rope continued to droop but the direction of the droop varied depending upon where the rope is so it’s very flimsy and not pointing any certain direction. Given that the tree is about 25 feet tall, its already grown to its mature height, so I don’t know if I should: 1) leave it alone and hope the very top portion straightens up  2) tie and stake the very top floppy part in a straight position hoping it’ll train the crown to stay straight Thanks, Dan   On Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 9:24 PM Mtn Hombre <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Sent by my IPhone     ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>Date: Wed, Jul 31, 2024 at 7:26 PMSubject: Re: Droopy Canadian Cherry tree (#0149425)To: Daniel Arrowood <<personal data hidden>>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 02, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
response: I understand why this drooping is bothering you.  It is possible to train trees to grow in the direction you want with enough effort ropes, etc., but when they are that tall it is hard.  If this a Canadian chokecherry (which is what it looks like) it is very close to its mature height.  You can wait and see if it straightens out.  However, you may find that it basically stabilizes at this height and fills out into a more attractive shape.  Best, Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2024, 4:31 PM EDT
response: Great, thanks for the advice. Sent by my IPhone     On Fri, Aug 2, 2024 at 12:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: