Is my cherry tree dead?

[tootyfruitypickle]

It still has its leaves (brown) and no blossom. Last summer the leaves wilted.

I'm guessing it's dead and if it has to go Id like to get it done ASAP as I want to sew some meadow seed by it and it'll get trampled if I wait too long. But do want to be sure !

I was thinking of asking a garden handyman to cut it down, it doesn't need to be dug out , I'm happy with a stump- there's nothing special that has to be done is there ?

Presumably I should wait before replacing with an apple in case it is diseased ? Let the leaves mulch down ?

Picture?
Wilted because it needed water? Is it getting any water nowadays?

Our cherries are still very bare.

Will grab a pic later. It's still got brown leaves attached . Maybe I should leave it a bit longer ?

Sometimes trees go into a sort of hibernation when stressed, the next season they can revive. I’d leave it until late spring, by then it should have bloomed. If not, that’s it.

Take a twig and gently scrape away at the outer layer of bark with a knife. If there's a hint of green underneath, then that would show that it is still alive.

Not necessarily. We thought ours was dead, removed a few branches and now it’s got new growth.

Are there any spots on the leaves? Could be a fungal infection?

Great thank you so much ! Brilliant advice here. Will venture out tomorrow and take a good look - and wait for later in the Spring regardless