Plum tree - road to success for next year?

djbnat · « **on:** November 02, 2007, 12:35 »

Hi all
I have a 3 year old plum tree in my garden that gave a nice crop (for its size) in 2006 but this year it was attacked early on (springtime) by blackfly (I think) causing crinkly leaves. Consequently the harvest this year was poor - I got only 12 fruits!!!! My questions are:

1. Was the blackfly attack responsible for the poor crop?
2. How can I prevent it happening again?
3. Any tips for pruning Plum trees (I think its due about now)?

Regards
DJB

muntjac · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2007, 15:01 »

yes it was ,,

you cant unless you cover with fleece or spray with chemicals

dead or diseased wood only

3 yrs is nothing for a plum tree look again in 10 yrs

spinny · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2007, 23:38 »

I wouldn't prune at all unless you need to - as Munty says, just dead or diseased wood in general, but I would also take out any 'crossing' branches to keep the centre of the tree open. Whatever you prune, make sure you seal the cut ends as stone fruits are very susceptible to disease (I've just had to dig out a plum that had 'silver leaf' disease)

spinny

gobs · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2007, 07:20 »

Yes, Prunus types are advised to be pruned in late spring, early summer to avoid risk of infection. If you have to, plums should fruit well without.

You should use grease bands and if you still have it staked do put one on your stake as well. Black fly were very bad on trees here as well this year. Any ant colonies nearby you might want to disturb?

yummy · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2007, 12:53 »

My boyfriend has given our plum tree a short back and sides hair cut. Doubt we will be seeing any plums for a few years

muntjac · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2007, 12:59 »

id make ya boyfriend sleep on the sofa ..... or under the tree

djbnat · « **Reply #6 on:** November 04, 2007, 16:32 »

Thanks for the advice on the plum tree everyone - most welcome - and my first ever reply from the legend that is Munty

I won't prune it for a while as recommended and will keep a careful eye out come springtime for trouble.
Regards
DJB

muntjac · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2007, 17:46 »

im no legend ,, the other folks and the people who join and live on this site are the oracles not i

we all make this site what it is .. that includes all the stupid questions answered with fun and respect

the stupid answers we leave to shaun

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