Q.My plum tree died and I have chopped it down. However the stump is still there and I am wondering if I should do anything to the
stump to prevent it contaminating a new plum tree I wish to plant near by. The plum was red right through and was part of a tree with Santa Rosa on the same tree and this part did not die but I chopped the whole tree out thinking it was better to start over.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Simply killing the infected tree still leaves the soil infected. You must kill off the infection in the soil before planting. This can be done with a fungicide. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Alternatively, this method for soil infections will be as follows:
Use DOLOMITIC LIME and WETTABLE SULFUR together according to the package instructions. Do this once you see the infection, or in this case now. Then do this once or twice per year to keep future infections at bay.
