My Victoria plum tree is approximately 15 years old and every year I have had plentiful and lovely plums. Sadly none at all this year - actually one but it isn't really ripening (see photo) Do you know if other people in south Somerset have had the same problem? I am certain the birds haven't attacked the tree. I would be most grateful for a response from you.
I do see that it needs to be pruned. Fruit trees need to have their canopies opened up to let light and air in. Part of the problem here may be too much shade on the inside of the canopy. The lack of fruit could be weather related. Also, sometimes if the tree bears a lot one year, its reserves may be depleted and will not bear fruit the next year. You also can check the leaves and stems for pests such as aphids or scale. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-trees-not-fruiting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-pruning.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-fruit-spray.htm
I\'ve tried barriers - nets, roosting spikes etc. - I\'ve tried bird-scaring deterrents - ribbons, CDs, scarecrow, flying hawks etc. - and nothing keeps the birds out of the tree for more than a day or two. The tree is too big now for nets, and our plum fruit buds and young leaves are decimated every year by these pests. Question: Could I spray the tree\'s bursting buds with the powder extract of \"Bitter Aloe\" (Aloe ferox) as a \"taste deterrent\"? Or would this potentially damage the young leaves/fruit buds even more than the pigeons? I\'m running out of ideas!
They will get past anything it seems! I would, certainly, opt to try it! Historically, Aloe vera juice has been used as a bird deterrent from grapes. I would suspect that its cousin would work in a similar manner. Otherwise, you can try using predator urine in the area when the tree is in fruit. It is not guaranteed to work, but it may add another layer of protection.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/using-predator-urine-in-gardens.htm
I have a couple of Santa Rosa plum trees (18yrs+) They are dropping their leaves and I read the article about leaf mulch. I\\\\\\\'d like to utilize the fallen leaves, but I don\\\\\\\'t own a mower. Can I gather them and place (or mix in) them on top of empty beds, or around my rose bush, under the Meyer lemon tree, etc anyway? I\\\\\\\'m in zone 9 in central California and it\\\\\\\'s been so dry here that the leaves are very dry. Thanks so much.
Usually, I would recommend against this, but since your area have been so dry- It may be a good idea to use them as mulch to prevent soil moisture loss.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/mulching-with-leaves.htm
I have a 60 yr old plum. It’s in an area where sun and some shade both occur. This property was my father in laws. When he last remembered he had not gotten fruit in 35 years. 2 years ago I removed all the lower branches and dead branches and got 19 plums full size and delicious same thing last year but this yr. nothing but tons of lichen. There are new branches but everything is covered in lichen and these Spanish moss blooms. The lichen is fluffy and is coming off just rubbing it. This tree was laying on the ground for 2 years and I have a board propping it up in place. Is the tree feeding the lichen because there wasn’t any on the new branches 2 years prior.
Technically, yes, but not how you would think. It is only feeding on the dead or dying parts of the tree, but it is a good indication that the tree is getting older and on its way out, unfortunately. Here is an article for more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/fruit-tree-lichen-and-moss.htm
Our (mostly decorative) plum tree had its usual cover of white blossoms this spring. Late spring/early summer, the branches started to droop and the leaves started drying. Now it is covered in brown leaves. Is it a goner? Any special considerations in dealing with it?
You can tell if it is still alive by scratching off some of the bark. If it is green below, it is still alive. If so, examine the leaves and bark for any abnormalities such as fungal spots, knots on branches, holes in trunk, etc., so you know how to proceed. This information should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/growing-plum-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/treating-rust-on-plum-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/common-plum-tree-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/cherry-leaf-spot-in-plums.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-fruit-spray.htm
do not have any images and would like an answer without being tied to any firm thks
Unfortunately, without being able to see, exactly, what these spots and damage looks like I will be unable to answer your question to the fullest accuracy. There are some guesses. All are either bacterial or fungal. In most cases this can be treated with fungicides and making the soil more suitable for the tree.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Hi, my plum tree has sprouted many branches from below the ground and they are all very thorny and have never fruited. I do not know the problem. Will attach pictures.
This is typical when suckers from below the graft on a tree are allowed to grow. If they didn't overtake the desirable part of the tree above the graft (you are getting fruit), cut these out from the base.
If this is all that is growing, the desirable, top part of the tree has died, and all that is left are the suckers from the rootstalk. If that is the case, it is time to replace the tree.