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Do you know why my plum tree doesn't produce fruit? #827866

Asked April 30, 2023, 10:39 PM EDT

This plum tree was planted (along with its mate) about 7 years ago in my yard. I don't recall the variety but it once produced a lovely yellow fruit. Otherwise it has not produced. It flowers in spring, I prune it every late winter, and I'm not sure what else to do. The leaves curl and brown at the edges. Sometimes they all fall off precipitously. This year I noticed that the blossoms have all shriveled and fallen off after flowering. I experimented with moving my chickens away from the trees. I live on an urban lot in NE Portland and I keep under 10 hens and ducks. For a few years the birds ranged under the fruit trees. I wondered if their droppings were too much for the trees, so I re-routed the bird run so they don't have access to the trees. A year later, though, the blossom shriveling and leaf browning is still happening. And I'd love some fruit! Any ideas are welcome!

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

The dried flowers hanging in the tree on the third photo and also the twig dieback, look like brown blossom rot. There is a more full description of the signs and symptoms of this fungal disease listed in the PNW Handbook. Does your tree fit those?
Cultural controls are described as well. Chemical products with a boxed H are labeled for homeowner use. Watch the label for timing of application and use on edible fruit.
Thanks so much!  I will try a fungicide.


Jennifer M Creswell
Doula, Chaplain, Priest

Vicar, St Andrew's Episcopal Church

Doula, Wildwood Birth Collective


On Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:16:15 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2023, 4:40 PM EDT

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