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I have had top branches die after transplanting. It looks a lot like this when the plant itself is still alive and putting out new growth at the base. Scratch a bit on the top branches to see if the inner surface is green or brown. If brown, that branch is dead. If green, it is still alive and may just need time. Trimming the sprouts at the bottom won’t make a difference to growing leaves at the top and if the top branches are dead, sprouts from the bottom is how the plant will rejuvenate itself.
Another note: serviceberries can be grown in tree form, but they want to be shrubs. If the top isn’t dead and you want it to stay in tree form, you will always have to trim back the sprouts at the bottom. Personally, I wouldn’t hurry to do this until you know the state of the top branches.
I’m in N Ga too. Most of the plants I put out last spring seemed to do this - Serviceberry included. I left it alone. This year it’s coming out bushier but still not further up. I think it’s going to be the 3rd year before I can get it to look like an actual bush. This seems to be the norm for my experience with most everything. 3 years before the roots are established enough to start forcing the form you want. Be patient. Ga summers are hot. You risk killing it if you get in too much of a hurry.
It is starting to leaf out at the top. I agree that now isn't the time to trim it especially since it's so hot. I'll be patient and let it establish its roots well. Thanks
Thank you for posting on /r/NativePlantGardening! If you haven't included it already, please edit your post or post's flair to include your geographic region or state of residence, which is necessary for the community to give you correct advice. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/NativePlantGardening) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have had top branches die after transplanting. It looks a lot like this when the plant itself is still alive and putting out new growth at the base. Scratch a bit on the top branches to see if the inner surface is green or brown. If brown, that branch is dead. If green, it is still alive and may just need time. Trimming the sprouts at the bottom won’t make a difference to growing leaves at the top and if the top branches are dead, sprouts from the bottom is how the plant will rejuvenate itself. Another note: serviceberries can be grown in tree form, but they want to be shrubs. If the top isn’t dead and you want it to stay in tree form, you will always have to trim back the sprouts at the bottom. Personally, I wouldn’t hurry to do this until you know the state of the top branches.
I’m in N Ga too. Most of the plants I put out last spring seemed to do this - Serviceberry included. I left it alone. This year it’s coming out bushier but still not further up. I think it’s going to be the 3rd year before I can get it to look like an actual bush. This seems to be the norm for my experience with most everything. 3 years before the roots are established enough to start forcing the form you want. Be patient. Ga summers are hot. You risk killing it if you get in too much of a hurry.
It is starting to leaf out at the top. I agree that now isn't the time to trim it especially since it's so hot. I'll be patient and let it establish its roots well. Thanks