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Top Questions About Plum Trees

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Questions About Plum Trees

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    May 28, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Premature fruit drop is normally the result of poor pollination or an insect problem. If pollination/fertilization is at too great a level for the tree to sustain, all of the set fruit will simply drop. Here is an article that you may find helpful (the info applies to plums as well): https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apricots/apricot-tree-not-fruiting.htm

    Overbearing is another possibility. Without thinning, many fruit trees will automatically drop a number of seemingly healthy fruits when overcrowded. When the fruit is pea size, begin thinning to prevent fruit drop. This will reduce the energy of the tree so it can put more into the production of fruit. You can also thin the blossoms rather than the fruit.

    I would also add some bone meal to add phosphorus to the soil. Sometimes fruit trees will drop their fruit if the phosphorus is too low.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    May 29, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like it has lichen, which is harmless to the tree. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    June 4, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This probably not caused so much by the fruit dropping but the canopy overhead filling out. In the spring, the canopy is rather sparse and some light is able to get through, and thus the grass is happy. Once the fruit drops, the tree diverts more energy to the canopy and the canopy grows thicker and more lush and so less light can get through. Then the grass dies because of the lack of light. It is a common occurrence with trees.

    The normal solution is to do some targeted pruning on the tree to thin the canopy out some. Start by removing weak or crossing branches. This is normally enough to thin the canopy enough to allow the grass below to survive.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    June 20, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like you may have brown rot on your trees. This article will help:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/brown-rot-fungus.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    June 19, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    A few things could cause this. First, it could be a chilling issue. If the trees get too little chilling in the winter, it will button the fruit, which means that it tries to grow them, but they will be deformed, stunted or fail to mature.

    Another possibility is that there is a problem with pollination. If this is the case though, the trees would drop the fruit in late spring or early summer. If you suspect a pollination problem, these articles will help:
    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

    Finally, most fruit trees need to be pruned and thinned well to produce fruit. If your tree is at least 3 years old and it carries the small, immature fruit throughout the season, that may be your problem.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    June 25, 2012
    A.

    Is this plum tree indoors? This is the houseplant section.. Plums are not indoor plants, it needs to go outside ASAP, if its indoors. If its outdoors, try LOTS more water, and every day if you can.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    July 28, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    With some trees, you cannot completely stop suckering. But, all trees will sucker more if they are under stress. Take a look at the plum tree and see what some possible causes of stress are, such as:

    Is it getting enough water?
    Is it getting enough nutrients?
    Is there signs of pests or disease?

    All of these things are common stressors. If you can find out what is stressing the tree, you will be able to reduce the suckers.

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