I am working on my second purple plum tree this summer, need help.?

I planted a 2-3 year old purple plum tree, and it did not make it. I planted a second one, maybe 1-2 years old and its leaves are looking somewhat limp. Any ideas?



My soil is very clay like. The first tree is remove some of the clay and rreplced with top soil. I also used root stimulator.

I am working on my second purple plum tree this summer, need help.?
Plum trees do have trouble with clay soil. My experience with them has not been too great either, but here are a few suggestions:



Water it more! Lack of water is the #1 caus of limp leaves in any plant, any time. Unless you've flooded the entire yard, over watering is not likely to cause much damage. Watering in the moring, rather than the evening often helps to prevent fungus growth if this is an issue. In the morning, you can water the leaves as well as the ground underneath it.



Shade the trunk. Purple plum trees are notorious for loosing their bark around portions of the trunk that are hit by sunlight. A few stakes and some gardening tape can make a big difference, not because of any support, but simply because they provide some shade. As the tree grows, it will spread it's leaves out to shade the trunk, and then it will begin to grow upwards. Once it's wider, you can begin trimming.



Stick in a pipe. For you it's a little late to suggest this, but if you plant a plum tree again, or if the roots haven't gotten very far, dig the hole as deep as you can possibly go, and stick a pipe down there. The pipe can be filled with water. it helps to keep the roots growing down, and the soil moist. The pipe won't hold much water though, so water around too. PVC works well because you can saw through it easily once it's deep enough. Steel is harder to cut, but you can generally hammer it down another foot or so in the ground, which may save some time in hard clay soil.



You might also want to check for bugs, especially if the limp leaves are all on specific branches, with green leaves on other branches. This is sometimes a sign of borer insects, such as various beetles, and termites that chew through the tree. They are more common if the trunk is not shaded. If you see any holes in the trunk, or piles of brownish material on, or around the tree, or lots of sap coming from some branches, talk to your nursery about ways to kill them.
Reply:i would put some top soil instead of clay because it is easier for a tree to live in and water it once a day [ : tasty
Reply:plant it in a barrel, that way you can better control the soil.
Reply:It may just be too hot to plant right now and with clay under your topsoil you have no room for the roots to go or drain into. Try placing the tree into a large pot or bucket until fall, then plant in the ground. Also pick up a $5 soile test kit. Once you find out your PH you can correct it with pot ash or manure..whatever your soils is lacking.
Reply:Since your soil is very clay like you may have created a clay bowl for the tree. Even adding soil may not do the trick. I would dig the hole three times the size it needs, then add a think layer of rock or should say pebbles to the bottom. The soil I took out I would add at least a bushel full of mushroom manure. The mushroom manure is light and airy and will lighten up the soil. Then back fill as usual. This will allow excess water to go to the rocks and still leave enough air in the soil for the roots of the tree with the manure. Contrary to most beliefs tree roots do breath, not just take up nutrients and water. I hope this will help you out, I would hate to see you have to do it again. Happy planting. Oh yes if it is very dry keep your tree watered no soaked but watered daily.

Broken Teeth