[Kleftiwallah]

Previously a well trained healthy tree but this year something strange is happening.  I hope the snap shows how the lateral branches are becoming 'denuded'? of leaves from the centre trunk outwards.

I hope someone out there will be able to shed some light on the problem.

Cheers,  Tony.

[Gardener and Rabbit]

Hi Klefti,

I'm wondering if this problem is why espaliers and cordons aren't recommended for cherries. I found this on the RHS website: "Sweet cherries are usually grown as small open trees or trained as fans against walls or fences. They are too vigorous to be trained as espaliers or cordons."   I've got 2 cherry cordons, one of which also looks denuded of leaves in parts.  Small tree or fan training will let the trees keep more of their newer wood.

G&R

[Kleftiwallah]

Good evening Gardener and Rabbit, 
points in your message to ponder over.  I'll wait until next year and lift a couple of branches into a more upright position.  Thanks for that thought provoking communication.

Cheers,  Tony.