I have a purple leaf plum tree roughly 12-15 ft tall which I came home tonight to find leaning after strong winds. I've been in my home for 3 years and the tree was here when I moved in. I would guess it's leaning at an angle of about 1 o'clock (as to a clock face) . I've only seen it in the dark, but there are no signs of exposed roots to indicate the root ball came up with the tree. I can move the trunk and see the root ball heaving/moving in the ground. ...if any of this makes sense.
Is it possible to salvage the tree or is it a goner? Thanks
I've seen trees which grow up, then curve 90 degrees from being in a rock slide, then grow up, then curve another 90 degrees from being in ANOTHER rock slide.
My guess is that your tree will make it. There's no guarantee, but it probably will. But, the kicker is that the roots very well may have broken, which means two things: First, reduced water gathering capacity. Second, very little structural support.
If I wanted to keep it, I would at least support it for a couple of years to keep it from getting blown around more, and to get it to stay at the "12 o'clock" position.
Originally Posted By GlutealCleft:
I've seen trees which grow up, then curve 90 degrees from being in a rock slide, then grow up, then curve another 90 degrees from being in ANOTHER rock slide.
My guess is that your tree will make it. There's no guarantee, but it probably will. But, the kicker is that the roots very well may have broken, which means two things: First, reduced water gathering capacity. Second, very little structural support.
If I wanted to keep it, I would at least support it for a couple of years to keep it from getting blown around more, and to get it to stay at the "12 o'clock" position.
Thanks for the tip. It's a nice looking tree, and makes sweet plums each year, I'd hate to lose it. I think I'll try to pull it straight and stake it, can't hurt.
Originally Posted By Barney_Calhoun:
Originally Posted By GlutealCleft:
I've seen trees which grow up, then curve 90 degrees from being in a rock slide, then grow up, then curve another 90 degrees from being in ANOTHER rock slide.
My guess is that your tree will make it. There's no guarantee, but it probably will. But, the kicker is that the roots very well may have broken, which means two things: First, reduced water gathering capacity. Second, very little structural support.
If I wanted to keep it, I would at least support it for a couple of years to keep it from getting blown around more, and to get it to stay at the "12 o'clock" position.
Thanks for the tip. It's a nice looking tree, and makes sweet plums each year, I'd hate to lose it. I think I'll try to pull it straight and stake it, can't hurt.
I have a puple plum tree about the same size as yours. Two summers ago it blew over three times. It is still alive and growing well today but it is tied to two iron poles and likely will be for some time. Even with the support it still finds it's way to about the one o'clock position - same as yours. .
