Can this tree be improved?

Hi all, this is a sad, lonely ornamental cherry in my front garden. I've never worked up the courage to prune it, mostly because I'm not sure how. Looking at it though, I think the previous owners may have done a random job on it because those branches grow in very odd directions. It looks terrible to me.

I have a decision to make as to whether it stays in the garden and gets trimmed more nicely, or whether to have it removed. I'm more inclined towards removal as it only looks nice for 1-2 weeks each year and looks bare and awful the rest of the time.

Could a trim make its shape look nicer? If so, how and where? Thanks in advance for any advice

 

Hi

It looks starved of food and water to be honest with you , a good feed and TLC would see a improvement as it would help put on new growth , not cutting any more off as it just make it look worse than already is.
Or just take out if not happy

Do you have plastic sheeting covering the lawn ? as it may need a good water as well

 

If we had a vote, I'd say it goes.

Its badly shapen, you could try cutting it back hard and then seeing what new shoots you get.

But it dont look good.

Must admit I find the plastic sheeting a bit strange.

 

Thanks both, I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I will have a think about the best way to go.

 

Two options available to you:

1. Reduce height by half. Promote a unique, odd-looking tree with dense lower foliage.
2. Remove and replant. Start anew.

 

I think I'd be inclined to take it out, give the soil a bit of TLC then put another tree in its place , just a suggestion but what about a magnolia tree? (They are my favourite) or perhaps a pear or Apple tree?

 

Thank you Harmony and Beckie After some thought I will be having it removed. I'm not confident I can get it back to a decent shape. If I thought I could, I would definitely opt for keeping it as I don't like the idea of basically killing it :(

Not sure about replacing it, though I have looked at some other similar size ones and seen some I like. No rush, I guess, other than feeling impatient to get it all done!

Thanks again everyone.