Replacing damaged Plum tree

cyclonebri1

I had a post up here some time ago about trying to save a plum tree that I neglected over several (many) years.
It had all sorts of silver leaf/leaf minor/ trunk mould issues.

Given that it has given masses of fruit every year after the 1 when we planted it, 17 years back. I have decided to replace it rather than fight the disease issues over the next few years.
It is also slightly too near developments made over those last 17 years.
So, I was at my local nursery at the weekend. The quality and size of trees they had available was fantastic and I'm tempted, but, I would want to replant close to the roots of the old tree when stumped not removed. Am I in for future disease issues if I do this??? I don't have many site options and the tree has flourished in this site until it got away from me, even on supposed semi dwarf rootstock it was up to 13 or 14ft. Stock at nursery appear to be on Pixie rootstock.

Existing tree is Victoria, go the same again possibly or are there more disease resistant options or any other advice.??

cyclonebri1

Billynomates asks again, :rotfl::rotfl:

DaftyDuck

I did actually start a reply yesterday, but it was so garbled I went away for a strong drink!

I was blethering on that in an ideal world one wouldn't plant in the same spot, that most plums are on the same rootstock, therefore prone to infections left about, yada yada...

But, needs must and all. we don't all have Monty Don style estate gardens (with three full-time dogs-bodies). Victoria is more disease-prone than many and, by opting for a more disease-resistant variety like Purple Pershore, maybe opal, Marjorie's Seedling may help. There may well be others - I don't know what's out there for buying.

I'd still clear the topsoil from the area even if the root was remaining, and maybe have a few bonfires on the root (nearby buildings allowing, of course....). The larger plums come on St Julian rootstock, and there may (??? don't know so, just may) be better disease resistance both from the extra vigour and the different cultivar. Possibly go for a gage variety. Certainly I would avoid another Victoria on the same spot...

So, I'd clear area as best I could, I'd go for different rootstock and newer variety, and I'd try to give it the best start I could... plenty of organics to start with, and as little stress for the first couple of years.

See, Billy :iloveyou: :rotfl::rotfl:

cyclonebri1

DaftyDuck wrote: »

I did actually start a reply yesterday, but it was so garbled I went away for a strong drink!

I was blethering on that in an ideal world one wouldn't plant in the same spot, that most plums are on the same rootstock, therefore prone to infections left about, yada yada...

But, needs must and all. we don't all have Monty Don style estate gardens (with three full-time dogs-bodies). Victoria is more disease-prone than many and, by opting for a more disease-resistant variety like Purple Pershore, maybe opal, Marjorie's Seedling may help. There may well be others - I don't know what's out there for buying.

I'd still clear the topsoil from the area even if the root was remaining, and maybe have a few bonfires on the root (nearby buildings allowing, of course....). The larger plums come on St Julian rootstock, and there may (??? don't know so, just may) be better disease resistance both from the extra vigour and the different cultivar. Possibly go for a gage variety. Certainly I would avoid another Victoria on the same spot...

So, I'd clear area as best I could, I'd go for different rootstock and newer variety, and I'd try to give it the best start I could... plenty of organics to start with, and as little stress for the first couple of years.

See, Billy :iloveyou: :rotfl::rotfl:

And you think my post was "garbled"?, so glad you enjoyed your drink, :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Mojisola

DaftyDuck wrote: »

opting for a more disease-resistant variety like Purple Pershore, maybe opal, Marjorie's Seedling may help.

I don't know Opal but the other two have more disease-resistance than Victoria.

Like Dafty says, replanting isn't the best option but sometimes needs must. After you take out the old tree, dig the ground over and add lots of good stuff - manure, compost, etc. Don't put the new one in exactly the same place if you can avoid it.

DaftyDuck

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

And you think my post was "garbled"?, so glad you enjoyed your drink, :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Sorry, Cy, no, my reply was so garbled after a long day, I deleted before posting, and sat down with a G & T. As I said, I was blethering rubblsh - as usual!

cyclonebri1

Thanks all, my post was a little unclear so to clarify;

I don't know an awful lot about fruit trees, inspite of "inherited" a old orchard.

But I do know ideally I should plant both a different variety and in a different site, ideally

I suppose what I was really asking is can I get away with the same variety and very close, or is the risk of similar contamination too great?


The other thing is that "my" nursery, (and it is just that, not the typical garden centre), has excellent quality plants but only in about 4 varieties as I recall.

Apart from Victoria and Merryweathers damson, (which is a consideration, same genus but not a plumb), I don't recall the others although 1 could have been "Czar"

May just go with the damson this time.

DaffyD, I really asked a question I knew the answer to, and as you state it isn't ideal, but as you again state we have to stretch things sometimes. It's a really sunny and sheltered spot, 1 of the few areas I can say that about. The intention would be to move it just 3 feet and cut the lawn around it, hence not wanting to dig out too far.

DaftyDuck

Well, I'd go for it myself, but avoid another Victoria. Worth a good cleanup of any old plum fruit and twig debris.... any chance of a small bonfire or two on the site?

See, too early for me to have hit the bottle...:D

cyclonebri1

DaftyDuck wrote: »

Well, I'd go for it myself, but avoid another Victoria. Worth a good cleanup of any old plum fruit and twig debris.... any chance of a small bonfire or two on the site?

See, too early for me to have hit the bottle...:D

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I have a good size garden, bigger than most, BUT, it is all fully planted.

The tree is surrounded by spring and summer bulbs, fritilaria, iris, tulips etc.

A good rake up is all I can do as these are all showing, plus, I have a compost bin and a waiting bonfire bin, will deal with these accordingly.

I'm retired now, I see the phase,( and I can't remember who famously said it), with every plant I plant;

"he who plants trees, thinks of others than himself"

Comes into focus when you hit 60.:beer::beer::beer:

Beers soon chap:beer::beer::beer: