Why are the leaves on my plum tree dying?
Emily Sparks
Published Jun 02, 2026
Why are the leaves on my plum tree dying?
Wilted leaves are a sign that the upper part of the tree is not receiving sufficient water but the problem may not be a lack of water. The wilting could be caused by too much water.
Do plums grow on new or old growth?
But remember, plums fruit on young wood. Avoid removing branches that are less than three years old unless you have to. European plums — including prunes, greengages and damsons — bear fruit on two or three-year-old wood.
When should a Victoria plum tree be pruned?
When to prune plums. Avoid pruning plums in winter, as it increases the risk of infection by silver leaf disease to which plums and other Prunus species are prone. The best time for pruning is usually spring for young trees and mid-summer for established ones.
How long does it take for a Victoria plum tree to fruit?
Your tree should produce a small crop two to three years after it has been planted and will reach its full-cropping capability five years after planting.
How do you prune an overgrown Victoria plum tree?
The basic principles are:
- If significant pruning is required spread it over two or three years.
- Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches (the three Ds) first.
- Prune away any crossing branches.
- Thin out the centre of the tree.
- When pruning at this stage, try to maintain the “balance” of the tree.
How long does it take a victoria plum tree to grow?
Most well drained ordinary soils are suitable, in a sunny spot Smaller dwarfing trees can crop 1-2 years after planting, more vigorous stocks take longer – 3-4 years sometimes. The divinely flavoured Victoria Plum is quite likely the most famous fruit tree ever raised, certainly for garden growing.
Why are the leaves falling off my Victoria plum tree?
They drop off sooner than normal. There may be small brown marks on the leaves which fall out leaving the leaves with small holes in them, this often referred to as shot hole. For treatment and prevention of canker in Victoria plum trees read our detailed page here. A silver sheen to some of the leaves.
Do you need a partner for a victoria plum tree?
A tree growing on a nice warm wall for example will inevitably be earlier than a traditional tree in an open position. Many Plum trees need partner varieties to fruit well but Victoria is self-compatible so you do not need other trees nearby to ensure a good crop. Which brings us to the benefits of…..
When is the best time to trim a victoria plum tree?
Specifically for Victoria plum trees we would suggest the following pruning regime which will be better suited to their known weaknesses: Pay special attention to thinning the fruits in mid June 2017. This will reduce the weight of the fruit produced and help to stop branches breaking under the weight of excessive fruit.
Are there any problems with the Victoria plum tree?
Victoria Plum tree problems and diseases. Victoria may suffer from the common Plum diseases just like any other. Silverleaf it is particularly prone to. The branches silver and die back; cut branches reveal a red inner ring which is typical of this disease which is relatively seldom seen – you would be unlucky to get it – but it is usually fatal.
How long does a victoria plum tree take to grow?
However, even in a smallish garden we would suggest that an appropriately pruned Victoria plum tree on Julien A rootstock would be your best bet. Your tree should produce a small crop two to three years after it has been planted and will reach its full-cropping capability five years after planting.
Why are the leaves falling off my plum tree?
The tree was about 15-16 feet high and equally spread out to about 12-14 ft in width of the foliage/branches, so we never thought cutting one root could adversely impact this tree. Next season we did not get any leaves and same happened last year as well. I noticed that some branches were starting to dry out and it seems like the tree is dying..
Specifically for Victoria plum trees we would suggest the following pruning regime which will be better suited to their known weaknesses: Pay special attention to thinning the fruits in mid June 2017. This will reduce the weight of the fruit produced and help to stop branches breaking under the weight of excessive fruit.