What can I do to save Flowering Plum tree?

Question

I was away last summer. Upon returning, I found tree was almost totally dead. Sap was oozing on branches. Leaves died but did not fall. New growth this year from top of trunk and a few branches. I now see some of the new growth is dying. I just cut back some of the dead branches. Tree is about 25′ high and 30 wide. Should I continue to cut back and what can I put on it?

Answer 1

This is either caused by borers or by a canker. In both cases, if the tree is badly far gone, then it would be more beneficial to you to replace the tree rather than trying to save it. If you can get the tree to recover, it will take years to recover its former state. Better to start clean and get there with a fully healthy tree.