New growth on dead tree

[Adaere]

Hello all,

New homeowner and tree novice here. We had a lovely cherry tree in the backyard that fell over during a wind storm. Turned out there was a concrete slab directly below where it was trying to grow (and still a plastic casing around the root ball for some reason...). Anyway, we moved it to another place in the yard, and crossed our fingers, but after two months the tree seems pretty dead. I was in the process of pruning off the dead branches, in preparation for eventually taking it all down, where I noticed there were a few places where tiny green leaves were sprouting (see picture).

Could someone tell me what's going on here? Does this mean the tree is not fully dead? What would happen if I cut away the dead wood and just left the tree? Would these little growths turn into branches eventually?

Again, I'm under no illusions that this tree can be "saved"--I'm more just hoping to educate myself. I'm assuming we'll just take down the tree and plant a new one in the fall. In the meantime, I would appreciate any insight....

Thanks!

 

[Raintree]

The tree's trunk wood has stored energy and moisture reserves which activated the latent buds in the bark.

 

[Adaere]

Thanks for the reply. So, those buds would NOT eventually turn into new branches, etc? What do you think would happen if I just left the tree alone?

 

[Raintree]

If you didn't manage to kill all the roots during transplanting it may make it through the hot summer heat. My money is on its toast.

 

[Adaere]

Yes, I fear you are right. Remarkable how resilient they are though, no?

 

[sonny580]

Water and wait! you never know!