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Plum Tree

GardenSpursGardenSpurs Posts: 70
in Fruit & veg
Hi 
we were about to remove our old plum tree which believed had died but noticed. new shoot/stem - see picture.  Will this turn into a newly established mature tree or shall we cut our losses and remove it.  many Thanks, Rob

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    I think I can see growing buds towards the top of the stem so I think it will be fine.  However, you should remove that new shoot growing from the ground next to the stem (outlined in red):


    as that could be a sucker from the rootstock and will not produce a tree with nice fruit.  A sucker will take energy from the roots which should be going into your tree and will eventually take over and your bought tree will die.  It might just be another plant but it's too close to the tree so still needs removing.  Try and keep a 60-90cm diameter circle of clear ground beneath the tree so it doesn't have to compete with other plants.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Rob, I'd expect that shoot to be growing from the roots of the plum - if you clear away the greenery from its base, you'll be able to see.  Plums are grafted onto a rootstock, which doesn't bear the fruit you want - so if the shoot is coming from below the graft point, which would be a few inches above the soil, you're better digging it up.  To be honest, you're probably better to do that anyway, and buy a new healthy tree to replace it.  They're not that expensive, especially when you consider the value of the fruit you'll get off it.   :)
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • GardenSpursGardenSpurs Posts: 70
    Thank you Bob and Liriodendron for your useful advice. I have decided to dig it up and plant another one. 
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