How do I care for and enliven a long-neglected fruit tree? - Ask Extension
I purchased a property last year with a neglected fruit tree in the yard. Most of the branches are dead and the trunk is gnarled and twisted, but this...
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How do I care for and enliven a long-neglected fruit tree? #842144
Asked July 23, 2023, 1:29 PM EDT
I purchased a property last year with a neglected fruit tree in the yard. Most of the branches are dead and the trunk is gnarled and twisted, but this spring it flowered and has a bunch of fruit and suckers coming up from the base. I'd like to keep the tree, at least until I know what fruit it provides, and hopefully longer if is likely to survive. How do I care for this tree to get it through this season, and hopefully several years into the future?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
It appears that you have an American plum tree. They are generally short lived—15-30 years.
The suckers from the roots and trunk at ground level are gradually taking all the nutrients and water from the tree. They should be removed promptly.
Fruit trees are best pruned when they are dormant—February and March. However dead branches can be removed anytime. The following website gives additional information about growing and pruning plum trees.
1. https://trees.umn.edu/american-plum-prunus-americana-0
2. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden
The suckers from the roots and trunk at ground level are gradually taking all the nutrients and water from the tree. They should be removed promptly.
Fruit trees are best pruned when they are dormant—February and March. However dead branches can be removed anytime. The following website gives additional information about growing and pruning plum trees.
1. https://trees.umn.edu/american-plum-prunus-americana-0
2. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden
Thank you! I removed all the suckers and some of the dead branches. From old aerial photos it seems that this tree may have been planted more than 30 years ago, so hopefully I can get at least one final crop :)
—Brook
On 23 Jul, 2023, at 14:53, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You are welcome. Good luck!
