I have an okame cherry blossom tree that I have been growing for 4 years. Unfortunately it did come out for dormancy early this year, I brought it in to protect it from our winter. I was excited to see it blooming for the first time this year.

Now the real problem was my 2 year old son... He systemically tore off the flower buds, leaves, new branches, old branches, then the upper trunk. Small house and couldn't get him to stop.

Now all I have left is part of the trunk and no green in it. It still feels like the roots are strong.

Please help me save my tree! I have cried over this and have been caring for it all year hoping it will grow back. Any tips besides leaving it alone and watering carefully would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the long story, just want to express how much I love this tree.

Pictures can help assess..

I would gamble there it not much else to be done but wait however. And of course get another setup going where your 2-year old cannot get to it.

I tried to add a photo to the original post but it didn't get added, so trying again.

You only have a part of the trunk and you've been caring for that trunk for a year?

Forget it. It's gone.

Thank you for being up front with me, but it was alive and well early this spring with leaves and flower buds. The tree itself has been with me for 4 years. It has not looked like this for a year. I would have given up last year if that was the case.

Best of luck to you reviving your tree. I am totally new to bonzai and have nothing illuminating to add, but wanted to say I admire your persistence and dedication. I know what it's like to lose a plant after years of care. Keep up the loving care and research!

Thank you for your kind words. I took the tree out of it's pot last night to check the roots. All of the feeder roots (tiny roots) are gone, so it is dead. I knew he'd have a tough time since he put all his energy into his first growth and my son took care of that. Here's to him being 3 next year, and more teachable.

Since you said you're new to bonsai I wanted to offer some help. You can watch Peter Chan on YouTube at herons nursery. He has written some books and is very forth coming with information. I also like the book Bonsai by Peter Warren.

I have found another nursery to get an okame cherry tree online. And last week I got a Japanese maple that I am air layering.

Best of luck to you and feel free to ask anything in the future

Peter Chan is my hero, I love his videos.

Watching him repot a bonsai is horrifying and amazing all at once!

I really have to agree with you there, but i have learned a lot from him already.to be fair, i do get some information from bonsai empire. Though Peter Chan teaches in a way that's simple and relaxing. I love it!