tree is on Mazzard (standard) rootstock (Dave Wilson)

is it too late to try forcing branches by 'scoring' with a saw ? I have never tried this before.

my inclination would be to cut main leader at 3' and train the new shoots outward 45-90 degrees to reduce vigor and hopefully induce more branches to form.

I think after reading through a lot of training methods, I will try bending it over into an arch and see if that will force some branches. I fear if I head it back again it will repeat trying a single leader.

HiI, Same tree same problem. not sure if this suppose too look this way? Any updates?

Hayden, yes I have lots of branches now. I did end up tying the tree over into an arch for 1 season. This did not seem to do much at first - just a slight increase in the number of leaves on all the branch spurs along the entire trunk. But by the next Spring these all lengthened to 3-4 feet long. I have released the tip now and have a strange but branched tree. The leader is slightly curved and leaning at a angle, and almost all branches are in the same 'plane'.

It looks like a tree trained to grow on a trellis which was originally planted at a 45 degree angle (see UPRIGHT FRUITING OFFSHOOTS (UFO) system).

Maybe I would have got branches anyway if I was more patient...

from today, same location

Wow, super funny! I had the same problem with my weirdo crimson. I lopped off a whole foot the first time around, then another 6 inches the next year, and it did induce three branches while maintaining a normal tree shape - but at a price. It severely stunted the growth and after 3 years, my tree is one third the size of yours. I have had two tiny crops though of 3 and 5 cherries respectively. I plan on removing all flowers next time to trade for more growth. Any updates on your guy?

HU, mine is starting to bear pretty well, the birds mostly don't notice them (yet). there are lots of fruiting spurs along all the branches now. Its still a funky shape and I have not done any more pruning...

It sounds like your tree is focusing on vertical growth rather than branching or flowering. Pruning the leader can help encourage branching and balance the tree's growth. If you decide to prune, do it during the dormant season (late winter/early spring) for the best results. Make clean cuts just above a node or bud where you want new branches to form. Good luck! 🌱

Mine started to fill out after the 3rd year, in the 5 year we finally got some cherries (10). I wish it had a spring bloom but it always goes straight to leaves, and looks more like a tropical plant to me versus a cherry tree. Its been interesting I'm just starting to love it.