Is plum tree beyond saving?

Discussion in 'Fruit and Nut Trees' started by Alesig, Jun 21, 2020.

  1. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    I agree with @vitog re cutting just above the highest shoots; can I just add that I would not cut anything else from the tree until next Summer. All the shoots that are growing now will strengthen and thicken the trunk and you can decide on a new leader or create a new shape then.
     
  2. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    Will do as soon as the rain stops forecasted to last for the next two days.
    Thank you for helping me to learn something new.
     
  3. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    @Alesig, I hope you'll post periodic updates as the tree develops.
     
  4. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    I will. Thanks for your help.
     
  5. Rachmahn

    Rachmahn New Member

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    Hope it's ok to ask in this thread, but my plum tree is looking the same. However all the branches without leaves are still green with the fingernail test. Is the advice here still applicable (cut em off?)
     
  6. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    This is how the tree looks now.


    Should I maybe remove any of the new shoots on the side shoots? If so should I do it now or wait till the fall or next spring? It looks pretty crowded.
     

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  7. vitog

    vitog Contributor 10 Years

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    The sooner you remove unwanted shoots, the faster the cuts will heal.
     
  8. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    Will do. Thanks!
     
  9. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    @Alesig, agree with vitog, do it now, but do 'not' do it in Autumn or Winter. The result can be a fungal disease called Silver leaf. Do read this link.

    Silver leaf
     
  10. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    Hello everyone,
    Here is an update on my plum tree. It was late leafing out. I had expected it to flower but there was not even one. Was that unrealistic? Is there any trimming that I should do or just let it be?
     

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  11. vitog

    vitog Contributor 10 Years

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    The tree in the third photo is showing some abnormal growth: the lowest branches are growing much more vigorously than the upper ones. Is there any sign of damage to the trunk bark between the upper and lower main branches?

    I would remove all of the suckers growing straight up from the lowest branches; you want to encourage horizontal growth that is more likely to bear fruit.
     
  12. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    Does this now look ok or would you remove more?
    There is no visible damage to the trunk. I also have on my oak tree a few branches that were leafing out much later than the rest. I already thought they had died off. We had a strange spring. My Brookgold plum is normally covered with flowers but this year there were just a few blossoms and my Evens cherry, that for the last 20 years was loaded every year with fruits, died.

    Thank you!
     

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  13. vitog

    vitog Contributor 10 Years

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    It looks OK for now. As growth proceeds through the summer, you can remove any branches that you don't want to keep for next year.
     
  14. Alesig

    Alesig New Member

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    Will do. If it's ok I might later check back in to see if I am still doing it right.
    Thanks for your guidance.
     

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