On 23/04/2012 20:18, Gareth wrote:
"Spider" wrote in message ...

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.

Thanks Spider, Dave and Jeff.

It sounds a bit complicated - knowing when and exactly where to cut.

What is likely to happen if I leave it as it is? Will the tree continue
to grow?

So far it seems to have done pretty well this year judging by the number
of white flowers.



It really isn't complicated - except for the bit where you look for a
warm dry day!

1) Identify where the tree is dead.
2) Look for healthy growth below this.
3) Cut into healthy wood just above a leaf node (slight swelling).

Subsequently, when your new leaders appear:-

1) Select the best leading shoot, then
2) Cut out the other(s), so there is only one leader.
3) Using a cane or stake in line with the tree trunk, tie in the
selected leader to the cane, so that it grows straight (more or less).
4) After a year or so, the leader will have strengthened and stiffened,
so you will be able to remove the support.

Hope this helps.

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