I have a 30+ year old Victoria plum in my garden which has cropped so well for so long it's like a family member now. I'm really worried that it may have 'cytospora canker' or 'bacterial canker'. The trunk has a weeping perforation exuding a trail of sticky gum, and parts of the trunk and branches have longitudinal cracking in the bark. There is some evidence of lichen or fungal growth on some branches, and overall the tree looks rather sorry for itself. I sent 5 photos of the tree, the third (DSC00417) showing the weeping on the trunk. Please could you give an opinion on the matter, and possible course of action? Thank you for any help you can give me - Kuib
We did not receive the images.
I would recommend you have a certified Arborist examine the tree.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-is-bleeding-sap.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/weeping-amber-in-trees.htm
We've had the tree for 3 years now and have never had any blossoms, and so no plums. What are we doing wrong? Our apple tree is splendid and also our pear tree.
You are likely doing just fine with your tree care.
Plum trees will not began to bear fruit until they are 3 to 6 years of age.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-trees-not-fruiting.htm
I have two Victoria plum trees plus two which have grown next to them. I am finding shoots coming up all over the garden. Not just one shoot but several from what appear to be knots on the roots. How can I stop these shoots from happening, please?
Here is an article about weed trees and some suggestions on controlling this issue.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/weed-trees.htm
I planted a Victoria plum 5 months ago and two of the branches have no leaves. I am told that the two leafless branches has been caused by the wind and that I need to wrap hessian around the tree to protect it. Is this correct and what do I do with the two leafless branches?
Check to see if the branches have died off. Bend them and if they snap they have died.
You can also scratch the branches, if still alive, you will see green under the bark.
These links have more information and how to winterize your tree.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/winterizing-fruit-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/growing-plum-trees.htm
My Victoria plum tree is now beginning to blossom. Last year all the plums had moths in them even though I used a moth catching tent. Is now the right time to spray the tree? When do I apply the band around the bottom of the tree?
If you have plum moths (Grapholita funebrana), beginning to spray in the third week of June is recommended. Or, you can use pheromone traps to determine timing more precisely:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=554
The tree bands are recommended for different species of moths, and they should be applied in the fall:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=518
If you're not sure of the moth species you have, contacting a local extension agent will help you find out what is common in your area.
On one side of my Victoria plum tree this year I have Victoria plums, but on the other side l have small orange coloured, cherry-sized plums, which, by the way are delicious. What are they and why are they there?
It sounds like the rootstock has begun to assert itself on the tree. Typically you would want to remove the rootstock branches, but if you are enjoying the fruit, you can leave them.
As to the variety, it would be hard to say as there are several used for grafting. Here is a list of some typical rootstocks that are used for plums:
https://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/articles/rootstocks-for-plum-trees
The leaves and fruit on my Victoria plum look lovely, but I harvest some to make a crumble but when I cut them to remove the stone they were black speckles inside. What is this and how do I cure it
It sounds like bacterial spot, which is safe to eat.
https://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=449
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-diseases.htm