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Storm damaged plum tree

jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
in Problem solving
Our plum tree suffered badly in the storms. Photos below. About a third of the trunk ripped. Is it doomed to die or any chance it will survive? If so, anything I should do?


Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    edited January 2022
    Start by cutting off the two branches that have ripped, making as smooth a cut as you can close to the main trunk. Then you will have to hope. With a wound that size , it may callus over or you may get infected with silverleaf.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    fidgetbones said:
    ... or you may get infected with silverleaf.
    Hopefully jonathan will escape it ... but the tree might get infected  ;)

    Sorry ... I coudn't resist ...  I'll get my coat ...

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    Not looking pretty.

    I'm a bit worried about the left side (last picture). There are definitely nooks where water will probably get trapped. I assume it'd be best to cut it out a little lower to clear them?

    It really is about a third of the trunk ripped off.


  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I think you have done all you can. Sealants used to be standard practice, but it is thought that these trap water in and can induce rot.  It should form a callus now and seal itself.
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    Thanks for your help @fidgetbones

    I'll see how it goes.

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