Dying Fruit Trees

Question

Dying Fruit Trees

by

Gayle Buckley

3 years ago

4

I have received 2 trees, a Victoria Plum and a Pear (unknown variety). They were planted in a neighbours rental property 6 months ago. When they moved out 3 weeks ago the trees were passed to me. The trees are suffering from transplant shock being moved twice in a year and at the worst time. I have planted them in the ground to give them the best chance. Staked them to prevent wind rock. Given them a seaweed feed. The Victoria Plum is coping but the Pear looks like it is giving up. Leaves are withered and turning black. Any information to help me keep these alive will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Gayle.

Andy McIndoe · Answer 1 · 26th August 2016, 08:55:06

Hi Gayle. You've done all the right things to give them the best possible chance and I really don't think you can do any more except to keep them well-watered. I expect the pear will drop its leaves and the plum will probably fall early. That's a good thing because you want both to focus on producing roots. They might just sit there and hopefully will break into leaf next spring - there's a fair chance they will.

Gayle Buckley · Answer 2 · 26th August 2016, 15:57:41

Thank you for the advice Andy. They really do look awful (pic). I was wondering whether a prune would help, but as you said the leaves will probably drop early anyway. The plum has 5 suckers and the leaves are larger than the ones on main tree. Do I wait until next year to remove?

Andy McIndoe · Answer 3 · 2nd September 2016, 07:30:13

I would remove the suckers now Gayle - they will take strength from the tree if you leave them. to be honest the picture of the pear isn't as bad as I expected - I'm afraid fruit trees in pots are not always the most attractive things!

Elspeth Briscoe · Answer 4 · 2nd September 2016, 08:18:49

FYI Andy is a record holder for gold medals at The RHS Chelsea Flower show and has written numerous books on plants and planting. He was also Managing Director of Hillier's nurseries.

Dying Fruit Trees

Dying Fruit Trees

Gayle Buckley

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