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Stone fruit tree sap/rot

owenlesley2owenlesley2 Posts: 7
in Problem solving
We inherited a fruit tree, so at least 7 years old. It has only ever fruited once (one fruit!) so we can only guess it is a plum or apricot. The trunk has 2 foot of dark brown soft wood at the bottom with sap oozing. We are in lanzarote so good sunshine, little water, no mowing. How can we fix this please? A lemon tree and olive tree nearby are fine.

Posts

  • owenlesley2owenlesley2 Posts: 7
    Sorry I’m new to the forum, just worked out how to attach a photo!
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    i doubt if you can fix that. soft brown wood is not a good sign and it looks as though half the top had died back as well


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I agree with nutcutlet and think it is unsalvagable.  If you replace it, I'd keep a 1m diameter circle of soil around the base of the trunk as it looks like the bark damage started at the base, possibly when the gravel (or whatever it is) was laid.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • owenlesley2owenlesley2 Posts: 7
    Thanks both, I fear you may be right!  For info, the gravel is volcanic grit called picon and is used across all gardens, public spaces etc to retain moisture after watering/rain. Happy New Year!  Thanks again
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