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Top Questions About Plum Trees

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Questions About Plum Trees

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    April 17, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Plum trees take about 3-4 years to reach fruiting maturity. If your plum is this old and still not producing fruit, there are several things that could be causing this.

    First, it may not be getting enough light to flower.

    Second, it might have too much nitrogen or too little phosphorous. This is common for fruit trees that are planted near lawns that get regular fertilizing. lawn fertilizer is high in nitrogen and low in phosphorous. Adding bone meal can help, but it is advisable to get your soil tested at your local extension service and see exactly what and how severe the deficiencies are.

    Third, you may be growing a variety that needs more chilling than your area can provide. Many stone fruits need a certain number of hours of cool weather in order to fruit well. The number of hours varies by variety and you would need to look up your variety to see how many hours of chilling it needs.

    If you are seeing flowers but no fruit, this can mean that you have a pollination problem or that the blossoms are being damaged by late frosts and therefore never become fruit.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    April 22, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This happens due to poor pollination. These articles have some suggestions for improving attracting pollinators to your yard, which will result in more flowers pollinated and less fruit being aborted by the tree.
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/insect-pollination-process.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/creating-a-pollinator-garden.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 21, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    As long as you can get them enough water, they should be fine.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    May 28, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    We like using neem oil for treating pests, as well as fungal problems. It is both effective and safe to use. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

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  • Answered by
    Jackie on
    June 9, 2011
    A.

    Your tree may need another plum for pollination. Even the self polinating varieties do better with a second tree. Other than that, plums need extra water in winter to encourage blossoming in the spring.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    June 18, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like your tree has peach borer, which can affect any stone fruit tree. Here is an article that will help you:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-borer.htm

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