On 22/04/2012 19:27, Gareth wrote:
I planted a dwarf Victoria plum tree stock last year.

It seems to have done quite well and it is currently flowering.

Problem is there seems to be no activity at all at the top foot of the
approximately 6 foot tree stock. The shoot activity at the top foot or
so of the tree seemed to die a few weeks after planting and it has not
recovered.

It's as if the top foot of the tree is dead wood.

Should I prune this off or should I leave it? The tree otherwise seems
to be doing well. I was surprised by how many white flowers it produced.




Yes, you must cut it back to clean, healthy wood. However, you can only
do this during dry sunny weather, otherwise you risk infection with
Silver Leaf Disease.

After pruning it, it will probably throw up at least 2 new 'leaders'
(your replacement central top shoot). Keep only the strongest,
healthiest leader and cut out the other. Use a cane or stake to tie in
the wanted leader, so that it grows straight.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay