The message
from SteveF contains these words:

I have inherited a Victoria Plum Tree when I moved into my house. It
seems quite an old tree and does have cracks in the bark. But what is
strange is that since I moved in over 8 months ago, I have not seen any
buds,leaves or any sign of life at all!!!. Is it dead or diseased? I am
new to fruit trees so any help would be appreciated.

Dead, deceased, it is an ex-Victoria plum tree.

The wood is marvellous for carving etc. (I'm looking for a good bit of plum).

Bring out the richness of its colours by applying chromic acid or
potassium dichromate solution.

If you decide to take it down, dig round it and chop the roots, then
when you pull it over, the root bole will come out easily. Digging it
out afterwards is much more difficult - you haven't got the leverage of
the tree itself.

--
Rusty
Open the creaking gate to make a horrid.squeak, then lower the foobar.
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