Thank you so much for the very quick response to my question, it was very helpful. I am understanding now that the shoots on the trunk are from some other species used in the grafting process that won’t be like the crown. I will do a bit more investigating to see if there is any life in the crown and if so, cut it back to maybe force some buds… I do however have a 2 year warranty on the tree. I suppose I could wait one more year and see how ugly or not the new shoots are (as explained just trying to disguise my fire hydrant which the city kindly stuck right in the middle of my small front garden)… and take it back next year or else take it back for a credit this year…I cant be sure if it might have survived if I hadn’t uncovered it and it hadn’t been coated with ice from the freezing rain…
My second question is whether there might be anything else out there similar in shape but perhaps a bit hardier (I don’t particularly like the weeping mulberries as just too leafy). I thought perhaps a flowering almond which is only supposed to reach around 12 feet and I could keep it pruned.. as mentioned earlier I am in zone 5a, Orillia ON…it is in a sunny, well drained location… if you don’t feel comfortable recommending another type of tree that’s ok… but I just want to confirm that assuming the crown is dead I will just get branches from the side with who knows what on them, maybe some other species of cherry, and not necessarily any blooms.. thanks so much, really appreciate the advice.
If the tree is really unsightly and you still have your receipt then I would take the tree back this year instead of looking at an unsightly tree for the summer.
There are many standard type trees available at your local nursery. I would take a stroll through your favourite nursery for inspiration.
That being said, one of my favourite standard trees and one that is extremely hardy is a standard Limelight Hydrangea.
Limelight flowers are somewhat conical-shaped and have a lovely lime-green tinge when young, maturing to white during July and then occasionally developing a pink tinge by August.
This dwarf tree performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn’t be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.
Flowers are formed on new wood and as a result the tree can be pruned in early spring without fear of pruning of flower buds.
Happy Gardening.