By Baffledbill
Lanarkshire,
United Kingdom 
Hello everyone. The neighbour on the other side of the fence had a tree growing for years which produced what looked like small plums, perhaps crab apples (not sure). New neighbours moved in a couple of years ago and chopped it down, which was a shame as it also flowered during the summer. Within a few months a plant similar to the tree started growing on my side of the fence. I'm wondering if it is possible for the roots of the former tree to survive to the extent it would grow as a tree again albeit 1-2 feet from its original site. I would let it grow if so, if not then I'll cut it down. I include a photo of it along with a close up pic. Many thanks. EDIT (July 2022) I've added another photo to show how much this tree has grown in just 15 months. Delightful. I hope this works.
19 Apr, 2021
Answers
It looks like a Prunus of some kind, Bill, but I couldn't tell you if it is what your previous neighbor had, or whatever it might have been grafted on, or maybe even a seedling. Our fellow GoYers from the UK will probably know better. Summer blooming is probably diagnostic, though.
19 Apr, 2021
Thanks people. Yeah it is close to the fence, I've just measured the distance and it is exactly 6 inches from it.
What I remember from the original tree it was very close (almost touching the fence). Thanks again.
19 Apr, 2021
It could well be from the original tree or one of the fruits has literally fallen not far from the tree.
When you say summer do you mean June or later? That is late from either a crab or a plum. When it flowers post a picture to help us id it for you.
19 Apr, 2021
Thank you Seaburngirl, yes I might be wrong when I say 'summer', could be around mid May, the flowers don't hang around for long if I remember correctly. Will return to subject as requested when flowers appear.
19 Apr, 2021
As its so near to the fence why not grow it as a cordon or an espalier?
19 Apr, 2021
I think that it is. You could leave it if you want to cover up the fence, though of course it is growing very close to the fence which might not be a good thing.
19 Apr, 2021