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Replacement for my plum tree #864429

Asked April 13, 2024, 7:35 PM EDT

We have a purple leaf plum tree with pink blossoms in our front yard that is 15-20 years old and because it was planted so it is shaded by the house it leans toward the street. It also was badly damaged by frost several years ago. My wife wants it gone. I’ve made a deal with her that I will cut it down but only if I can replace it with a plum or cherry tree in the back yard. I would like to find a similar looking tree that has good fruit and is hardy enough for Otsego south of Elk River. Can you recommend anything? In the front yard we want to put a red maple to replace the plum tree and an ash that we have been told will probably be mandated to be removed by the DNR sometime soon. Again, do you have a recommendation?

Wright County Minnesota

Expert Response

If you want to grow plums, you should consider planting two to ensure good fruit set. Below are some varieties to look at. Each of them has their own flavor. while some of them are self-fertile, having two will give you more fruit.

Red Maples are beautiful and I am adding a link to more information. They are native to Minnesota. They are fast growing and will eventually give your house some shade and wind protection. You may also want to consider other trees that will do well with climate change. Below is a list of trees that should grow well in your location in the years to come.

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden#plums-682262

https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/198102

https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/red-maple

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/best-native-yard-trees.html

Deb Reierson Replied April 15, 2024, 11:03 PM EDT
Deb, 

Thank you for your help. I’ve attached a photo of my existing plum tree taken in May 2022.

As much as I would like to have plum trees for fruit my wife thinks fruit trees are messy and a lot of work. I’ve got her to comprise but even I have to admit it is the beauty of the our plum tree that makes me want to replace it. I may not be able to convince her to let me have two.

Can you tell from the picture what variety this is?

I think that in the lower left corner is the neighbor’s crab apple tree.


Sent from David’s iPhone

image

On Mon, Apr 15, 2024 at 10:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2024, 11:19 AM EDT

I can’t tell you what kind of plum tree this is from a photo. Identification relies on leaf color, flower color, size and fruit characteristics. Since this plum tree was there when you moved in, we don’t know if it was purchased locally or ordered online. 

That said, there is a purple plum tree that is hardy to zone 5a and 5b. It is ornamental and mildly toxic to humans and dogs.

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-cerasifera/

You may want to check with a local nursery to see if they have ornamental plums or can order one for you. If you are not growing it for the fruit, one is fine.

Deb Reierson Replied April 18, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT

Krauter Vesuvius and Mount St. Helen both look similar to what I have and seem to be hardier than the variety you recommended. I think Otsego and Elk River are in hardness zone 4b.


I think Thundercloud might be a good choice too.


Sent from David’s iPhone


On Thu, Apr 18, 2024 at 10:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2024, 8:32 PM EDT

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