Plum tree damaged in winds

LauraP94 · 2025-08-05T18:29:58+00:00

Just got back from work to see our plum tree has been damaged. Do you think it’s possible to save this tree by staking it? Or any suggestions? Thank you

Agapornis · 05/08/2025 19:59

You could temporarily support it to get the plums to ripen, but it look like the wood is rotten. Post a close up if you can, but does it feel spongy and/or brittle/crumbly?

Original poster

LauraP94 · 05/08/2025 21:06

I think you’re right. It feels very spongy!

OP posts:

EleanorMc67 · 05/08/2025 21:16

Afraid not - the trunk has snapped right through. It may put on growth from the base if it's cut back but it's probably a grafted variety so the growth will be from the wild rootstock. You're better off going to a good nursery that sells bare-root fruit trees this autumn/winter (November to March for planting bare-rooted), or you can plant container-grown trees at any time of the year (but they're more expensive). Make sure, if you're only planting one tree, that it's a self-fertile variety.

Agapornis · 05/08/2025 21:53

Agree - you won't be able to save that.

However, it's still partially attached, so that's probably the bit that's strongest (not rotting) and still alive (or you wouldn't have any leaves at all, let alone plums). I'd support it in place, so it can't tear off further, and wait until all the plums are ripe. Then cut off and plant something new in tree planting season. You may or may not want to dig out the remaining trunk and roots, I quite like wildlife friendly standing deadwood.

If there is any wider part that isn't rotten, you could make some nice chopping boards/coasters. Spalted cherry is very nice.

What happened to this tree btw? It looks like someone cut off a massive lower branch at the breaking point, far too close to the trunk.

Original poster

LauraP94 · 05/08/2025 22:42

Agapornis · 05/08/2025 21:53

Agree - you won't be able to save that.

However, it's still partially attached, so that's probably the bit that's strongest (not rotting) and still alive (or you wouldn't have any leaves at all, let alone plums). I'd support it in place, so it can't tear off further, and wait until all the plums are ripe. Then cut off and plant something new in tree planting season. You may or may not want to dig out the remaining trunk and roots, I quite like wildlife friendly standing deadwood.

If there is any wider part that isn't rotten, you could make some nice chopping boards/coasters. Spalted cherry is very nice.

What happened to this tree btw? It looks like someone cut off a massive lower branch at the breaking point, far too close to the trunk.

Not sure what happened to the branch. We moved in to the house recently and it has always been like that.

Thank you for all the advice!

OP posts:

Original poster

LauraP94 · 05/08/2025 22:46

EleanorMc67 · 05/08/2025 21:16

Afraid not - the trunk has snapped right through. It may put on growth from the base if it's cut back but it's probably a grafted variety so the growth will be from the wild rootstock. You're better off going to a good nursery that sells bare-root fruit trees this autumn/winter (November to March for planting bare-rooted), or you can plant container-grown trees at any time of the year (but they're more expensive). Make sure, if you're only planting one tree, that it's a self-fertile variety.

Thanks this is really helpful! Will look at getting a couple of bare-root fruit trees later this year.

OP posts:

Jellybean23 · 05/08/2025 23:06

Look online at specialist fruit tree grower sites.. The choice they offer is vast compared with garden centres and their websites are very informative.