Plum tree dilemma
 

Hi,

one of two Victoria plums (and possibly the other) is suffering from
some sort of disease which shows up in the leaves. These first droop and
tent, turn patchily yellow, then patchily brown, then fall.

But not the whole tree is affected, only about a third, or three main
branches. One I have removed because it was anyway somewhat inward
growing, but to remove the others will seriously unbalance the tree, so
I only want to do so if really necessary.

Some apple trees I have suffer periodically from a fungal disease which
causes similar effects, except the leaves go a sort of murky grey
instead of yellow. The next year, however, and with some prophylactic
spraying, the new leaves are healthy and the trees productive.

If it will be the same with the plums I should regret hacking off large
amounts of basically healthy wood. If the whole tree dies I should
regret not doing it. Has anyone experienced this problem with Victoria
plums (or any other)? If so, what did you do? If these branches should
be cut out, I should do it now while it's safe to prune, but I don't
want to have to.

WRT the second tree, I've ben spraying with anti-fungal spray. There
appears to be some yellowing of some leaves, but I can't yet tell
whether this is the same problem.

Experienced advice fallen upon with gratitude!


Brian Mitchell

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literary liqueurs online
www.users.zetnet.co.uk/bmitchell/