Falling plumb leaves - Ask Extension
We have a 4-way grafted plumb tree that's about 5 years old. This year after blooming,70% of the leaves have fallen off. We have another younger tree ...
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Falling plumb leaves #864930
Asked April 17, 2024, 6:47 PM EDT
We have a 4-way grafted plumb tree that's about 5 years old. This year after blooming,70% of the leaves have fallen off. We have another younger tree nearby that has not suffered this fate. The 5 year old tree did develop shot hole disease after last year's extra wet spring. Could the two be related? Can it be treated? Is it likely to spread to the younger tree?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Carrie. Your photo is taken from too far a distance to provide enough information to diagnose the problem(s). We can't compare this tree's issues with a tree whose photo isn't included. Do they both get the same amount of water, sun, and nutrients? Perhaps you can submit plant and soil samples to the OSU Plant Clinic for diagnosis: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thank you for the reply. Here are a few additional pictures and information. They are within 20 feet of one another, on the south edge of our property and similarly shaded by bamboo for a portion of the day. The three close up photos are of the older tree with the leaf loss. The third photo is attempting to show the smaller tree in the foreground with the larger behind. The smaller tree is planted rather close to an aging Asian pear that we are in the process of removing over a few years. Both trees get watered/fertilized in the same way and with similar amounts.
Carrie Ebling
Thank you, Carrie. There are 19 diseases in our region that are identified plum problems (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=plum), and we cannot diagnose them through photos. The OSU Plant Clinic has the tools to do so, and I recommend that you consult with them.
Welcome! A mystery!
