Question
I have a ten year old Weeping Cherry that, for the first time this year, did little in budding; that is, buds had formed, but neither leaves nor blossoms have come from them thus far, despite the other two cherry trees having already blossomed.  There are no other signs of disease that I have been able to spot, and the only thing that has been different is the use of a relatively small amount of ground up stump placed about six inches in radius around the trunk, just before winter.

I would be grateful for any help in reviving this beautiful tree.  Thank you for your consideration.

Answer
George,

I do not think the mulch is to blame.  This sounds like a case of drought stress from last summer.  Many trees will exhibit the types of symptoms you are describing that have previously gone through a dry period.  It is further exacerbated by desiccation over the winter.  The only thing you can do is make sure it receives 1" of irrigation each week and be patient to see if it comes out of its funk, it may take until next spring for you to be sure.

Good Gardening

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