Plum tree broke - next steps?

[flipper35]

Cut it down and start over or just drag the broken stuff away?

[Baz]

Could we get a photo of the entire tree, Brent? Thanks!

[rfuerst911sc]

You may be plum out of luck 😁 . Sorry couldn't resist . I hope it can be saved .

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Plant something more substantial (like a brad pear)

[gregpark]

I don't think it has much of a chance with the break so close to the ground inviting rot and disease but I'd give it the opportunity. Maybe paint up the split with that that green rubbery stuff for tree wounds. Good luck

[p911dad]

It looks like removal is the best choice. The remaining tree is now unbalanced and it will likely eventually fail again.

[pwd72s]

stone fruits are generally short lived trees...

[gregpark]

It's in fruit now so might as well wait a bit before junking it for one last harvest

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by p911dad

The remaining tree is now unbalanced

Check it with a plum-bob.

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Check it with a plum-bob.

It looks like it’s a half off plum to me.

[A930Rocket]

What color is the fruit, Plum Crazy?

[Zeke]

Plum and plumb. Rocket's post has a double meaning. Well done, sir.

[herr_oberst]

It was a JOKE Zeke. I know plumb from plum. Jeezus frickin' christ. He wasn't asking about a plumb tree.

[Zeke]

I should rephrase my post. Sorry. Rocket's post is still the best.

[gregpark]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

It was a JOKE Zeke. I know plumb from plum. Jeezus frickin' christ. He wasn't asking about a plumb tree.

And a good one. Either way, it may not plum and most certainly will not plumb

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

Plant something more substantial (like a brad pear)

Yeah, been cutting Bradfords out for weeks. There must be a dozen on this property.

[juanbenae]

Looks to me like it split one time before where the two 4" branches are now growing from starting the trunk rot. It's a goner in my estimation. Maybe cut it to ground level and see if the roots will send another stock or two out next year and see if you can get it restarted that way.

When I drive through the central valley there are a bunch of walnut orchards that are grafted trees with the bases/root system being a species that is less susceptible to rot, and the fruiting portion is another species that produces better and more nuts. If I recall the stump/root portion is a Black Walnut and the fruiting portion is a much lighter barked type. They still have a specific life span and you will often see whole orchards fallen and being removed. There are signs around too that advertise orchard removal services.

Fruit trees defiantly have a life span that is not forever.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Baz

Could we get a photo of the entire tree, Brent? Thanks!

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

Plant something more substantial (like a brad pear)

Yeah, NO!

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by juanbenae

Looks to me like it split one time before where the two 4" branches are now growing from starting the trunk rot. It's a goner in my estimation. Maybe cut it to ground level and see if the roots will send another stock or two out next year and see if you can get it restarted that way.

When I drive through the central valley there are a bunch of walnut orchards that are grafted trees with the bases/root system being a species that is less susceptible to rot, and the fruiting portion is another species that produces better and more nuts. If I recall the stump/root portion is a Black Walnut and the fruiting portion is a much lighter barked type. They still have a specific life span and you will often see whole orchards fallen and being removed. There are signs around too that advertise orchard removal services.

Fruit trees defiantly have a life span that is not forever.

Those branches you see also came down in the storm. Just a bad angle on the picture.

The large broken part is still very green. There is a mulberry tree on the other side of hte fence that has spit twice and is still producing fruit on the fallen parts.

Our Rainier Cherry froze the sap a couple years ago and probably will not make it many more years and is my favorite fruit tree. This are all 10 year old dwarf fruit trees. They usually produce good except for the pear tree. No, it is not a Bradford Pear. It makes good pears when it makes them.