Last month, I had the shocking realization that my plum tree was dying.
There are a few possible reasons a fruit tree starts dying.
It wasnt too difficult to figure out what was going wrong with our plum tree.
Diagnosing the problem is the first step, after which you better figure out how to save it.
Here are some tips for each of the 4 potential issues your tree faces.
In this article
1.
If it is dry, it needs water.
Under-watering is probably the best problem to have, as it is simple to remedy.
Simply add water and continue to monitor it.
In this case, you are likely over-watering.
This is more difficult to remedy, but you should definitely be able to save it.
Is the soil still soaking even though its been an hour or more since you last watered?
If so, your soil is struggling to drain.
The best solution is to add new soil and compost atop your current soil.
Over time, continue to add compost and mulch toimprove the drainage of your soil.
Pests and diseases
It is possible that yourtree is falling victim to pests or diseases.
This is all the more likely if you are trying to avoid toxic pesticides and havent found effective alternatives.
Fortunately, there areapps which do a pretty good job at diagnosing plant problemsthese days.
Try Agrio, Leaf Doctor, Plantix, or one of the many alternatives.
Each disease or pest requires specific treatment.
Environmental stress
Environmental stress refers to any issues that come about due to abnormalities in the plants immediate environment.
If you recently transplanted your fruit tree, this could well be the reason it is struggling.
You may have followed all the best tips, but there is always danger when transplanting a fruit tree.
Many trees react badly to the stress but recover over time.
Other types of environmental stress have to do withabnormal weather conditions.
Similar issues include unusually hot or cold weather.
Give it some extra water as well.
If possible, give your fruit tree some shade from the sun at its most scorching hours.
If the weather is colder than usual, a deciduous tree should simply remain dormant throughout the winter.
Evergreen trees, however, should be protected from the extreme cold as much as possible.
You should find covering for your trees at your local garden shop that will protect your trees from frost.
Dont prune your fruit trees on particularly cold days, as the frost can cause major issues.
You will need to check the PH of the soil and add the right pop in of fertilizer.
The above are the most likely reasons your fruit tree is dying.
It is not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause.
However, through a process of elimination, you should be able to find and remedy the problem.
FAQs
Can a tree come back to life?
This is because trees are able to regrow their roots, trunk, and branches.
Of course, the process of a tree coming back to life is not an overnight one.
It can take years even decades for a tree to fully regrow.
But with the right conditions, it is possible for a tree to make a comeback.
Can a half dead tree be saved?
Also, check for other signs of stress such as insect damage or disease.
If the tree is too far gone, however, it may need to be removed.
Why has my plum tree suddenly died?
There could be several reasons for your plum trees sudden death.
after you grab ruled out these possibilities, you might investigate other potential causes.
One possible reason for your plum trees sudden death is root rot.
Root rot is a common problem in plum trees and can be resulting from several different fungi.
Another possible reason for your plum trees sudden death is frost damage.
Plum trees are particularly susceptible to frost damage during the blooming period.
This damage can cause the tree to die.
Do plum trees lose their leaves in fall?
Most plum trees are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the fall.
However, there are a few plum tree varieties that are evergreen and keep their leaves year-round.
