Question
My mature cherry tree had some of its roots cut and exposed after construction about 3.5 weeks ago. The roots were cut on one side; the other side was not damaged.
I recovered the exposed roots the day it happened. The leaves went limp the day of construction but stayed green for almost 3 weeks; now they are turning yellow and brown and most have fallen off.
Is there any possibility the tree will survive and come back next spring or has it already died? Is there anything else I can do for it?
I would very much appreciate any thoughts or advice you might have about it.

Thank you.

Answer
First check and see if the tree is dead--start near the end of an upper outer branch and scrap a small bit of bark off the branch and if the color under the bark is green the branch is still alive at that point on the branch. If the color is not green --brown--the branch is dead at that point on the branch. If brown continue down the branch scraping at intervals until you find green or reach the trunk. Check other branches and if all are brown the tree is dead. IF you find green you can either prune the branch back to the green area or let it be and see if you get any leaf out next spring. More than likely the tree is dead and should be replaced. Usually if more than 1/3 of the roots are cut the tree either has severe dieback of the foliage or it will die. Cherry trees are very susceptible to root cutting and can get several bacteria diseases enter the roots and kill the tree. Sorry!