Has my Victoria plum tree started to die?

Eileen Webb

I have had this Victoria Plum tree for 10 years and have always had good crops on alternative years. This year one side of the tree looks as though it has started to die. I have already cut out one large branch that looked dead and now note that another has died. I do have few plums on the top of the tree and leaves look reasonable healthy. The weather in South UK has been extremely dry and may be a cause. I cannot see any fungus or bacteria on the tree. Should I just cut out this branch as I did before?  Any advise would be appreciated. I love Victoria Plums!!!

pansyface

Are the leaves just wilting on that branch or are they going yellow or grey or some other colour?

Is the affected branch rubbing against another, healthy branch and has the bark been damaged?

BobFlannigon

When did you last water it?  It needs a bucket of water every few days, really.  I don't think it's rained here for about 8 weeks now!

Eileen Webb

Thank you for your input. I am watering well on alternate days and have dug out a larger area at the trunk roots so that water absorbs well. I think when we eventually get some rain you will hear the garden slurp it up! I hope it is just weather problem.

Eileen Webb

A lot of yellow leaves did drop about a month ago but the leaves left on the tree are a mixture of some yellow, some green. some a mixture of both. The bark does not seem to be damaged in any way, it's a bit of a mystery really. I have got some plant 'stress away' liquid that I purchased for some roses and wondered whether a dose of this might help.