have a large old plum tree which while past its best is a great feature in the garden and removing it isn't an option.

anyway last year aphids thrived especially when i went away on holiday in early for two weeks. so much so that the tree suffered leaf curl and to be honest i was worried it were dead.

thankfully it survived although minimal flowers this spring and i've already sprayed once to keep those aphid in check. however 15-20% of the tree's stems/branches are dead and i'm wondering whne is the best time to prune.

no idea what variety it is, and the book i have says august, but i think i remember someone on here saying end of April?

Thanks 4 the advice

Matt

Tiger303 wrote in message
...

have a large old plum tree which while past its best is a great feature
in the garden and removing it isn't an option.

anyway last year aphids thrived especially when i went away on holiday
in early for two weeks. so much so that the tree suffered leaf curl and
to be honest i was worried it were dead.

thankfully it survived although minimal flowers this spring and i've
already sprayed once to keep those aphid in check. however 15-20% of the
tree's stems/branches are dead and i'm wondering whne is the best time
to prune.

no idea what variety it is, and the book i have says august, but i
think i remember someone on here saying end of April?

Thanks 4 the advice

Matt


--
Tiger303

Hi Matt,

It's usually best to do it mid-summer on a dry, sunny day. However, you
clearly need to cut out that dead wood as soon as possible. Wait for the
first dry, sunny day when rain isn't forecast. Use clean secateurs or
loppers and cut back beyond the dead wood into clean living wood.

Spider