Question
I planted 3 Yoshino cherries about 6 years ago in the back of my yard.  In the last year two of the trees have started to have branches emerge at the base of the tree.  One of those appears to have launced a whole separate tree about 5 feet away from the base of the tree with three 'trunks' about 2 inches across.  Is this normal or is something that indicates a problem with the trees?  The bottom branches on all three trees are now drooping almost down to the ground.  Can they be safely pruned to give a better appearance?

Answer
yes sprouting of most hardwood trees is normal. I would suggest clipping the sprouts off as soon as you see them this will allow the trre to put its energy into the main branches instead of the suckers. Cut them as close to the main trunk as possible without cutting into the trunk. The sprouts away from the trunk are from the root system cut these off also. I would suggest pruning the lower branches back to the main trunk, this can be done anytime.