Can this tree be saved?

I'd try to take some cuttings (just cut off the branches and stick them in the ground in a nursery area), and cut the tree down.

Ornamental trees are never very attractive once they have suffered damage, the sentimental side of me would try to get some offspring from it

Unfortunately, I vote kindling. I don't think it can be saved.

I'm not an arborist, but that looks like kindling to me.

maybe, but it will need support for the rest of it's life.
And quite possibly suffer insect and exposure damage.
You'd likely watch it deteriorate slowly for years if it should even live that long.


If it is wild black cherry it no great loss
around here it is a host for eastern tent caterpillars and black knot which in turn infests plum trees.
Plus the berries can stain white car paint, even if it has gone through a bird first.

Even if you kept it alive it would never be any good because of the weak spot there. Take it out and put something else in its place. After all the leaves are dropped you could probably cut the top off and next spring it will most likely send out a new shoot if there is a bud left on the truck anywhere.

I had a maple tree a little smaller than that. A contractor backed over it. We cut it off, and it sent up new growth. After 10 years it's a nice, healthy tree.

I'd wait until late winter and cut it off low to the ground, that's best for sprouting if it will.

If the tree was very healthy and has a good root system, it may sprout leaders next year after you have cut if off clean. Make sure you dont leave and cracks in the wood. Meanwhile consider orering a new tree. If the tree is grafted stock its not even worth trying.

I'd try to save the bottom limb that still has bark connected down to the roots..
Cut it off 6" above the good limb, put some tension on it to straighten it up, pull it up straight a little every few days.
Then start training the limb to be straight up this spring.
Worth a try anyway.

As I was growing up, I saw my Grandfather do some remarkable things with trees, especially fruit trees. But I think even he would consider his time better spent on things other than this tree. Trying to save the bottommost limb, as mentioned above, is the most effort I can imagine Grandpa putting into this Cherry...if that. Sorry about your tree. Rick

Kindling gets my vote.

Sadly if the tree were in my yard it would also be kindling.