How to save a fruit tree?

Question

We just bought a plum tree for 5 bux, most of its leaves are brown and its roots were exposed how to save it?

Answer 1

transplant it if you can soon. find a lower-lying spot in the earth so that it will aborb the rains better. it needs plenty of water! try digging a whole at least 3ftdeep by 3-2ft. wide, larger if the roots have really expanded already, use the earth you dug out and rid it of any rocks, hard pieces of clay, or weeds, then mix it with some planting soil so that it can have the good stuff at the same time it needs to get used to the soil youve just transplanted it to. use 3 bags, two mixed in and one on top, pat lightly with NO roots showing, they need to be at least 6"under for proper growth and shelter from sun exposure/being trampled on so young. then water it with about 5 mins
hose-time at least. dont let the soil you put over it move, or put it back if it does, gently. try putting a light coating of the powder that kills bugs in the lawn over top once youve finished watering, dont smother it. then clip from the base branches any dead leaves and spray the open "wounds" with any common stem sealant that will keep out anything that will make the tree sick.(hint: try to find the bags of planting soil w/holes on the outside, these "defective bags" are often discounted or free!) have fun and dont be afraid to sweat and get dirty! :)

Answer 2

Concur with Melo.

But I would prune 1/3 of all growth. It's the most you want to prune any tree. It doesn't help having excessive vegetive growth without a root system to sustain it. So take it off.

And I strongly recommend organic fertilizers. The great thing about organics is that you grow a healthier tree and the risk of over-fertilizing is low. Call your local agriculture supply or nusery supply and ask what they recommend from their stock - different supply in different stores. The tree needs high levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to invigorate root growth and vegetive and leaf growth immediately. Later on after the tree recovers you'll increase potassium (K) to aid the flowering and fruiting. You'll learn the NPK percentages.

Chicken manure is like gold for citrus. I add it straight from the coop to the citrus trees. But you can buy it in pellets (it doesn't stink unless you let it get wet so keep it dry until use). Another great product is Jersey green sand. This is added to keep the soil loose and soft for excellent drainage. Rarely though can you find them in small quanities usu. 50 lb.bags.

It will be rewarding. If money is an issue then start with just the high NP and keep the chicken manure (about $15 per 50lb.) around and add it occasionally. Lastly. Put a couple layers of cardboard down around the root ball and then cover the cardboard with wood chips (cardboard will disintegate over time.) This step prevents weeds from growing and interfering with the root system and also this helps keep the ground moist which saves water. Water frequently. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 3

Get it in the ground and give it plenty of water. Keep the soil moist but not drenched. Do not put any fertilizer on it for the first year or it can kill it off the rest of the way. Wait for that till it is well established, toward the end of the second year for most. Give it plenty of tlc and it may or may not come back but keep on watering for at least the first year or until you are certain it is really dead and will not come out of it. I have planted many bushes and trees that looked like they were gone only to have them come out and be some of the best that are around. Got some free as they thought they were dead and they thew them out and I got them and kept them well watered and they are all but one of 8 growing really well now. Just need lots of water the first year, then when it comes out in the spring, use a bit less but watch it to see when it looks a bit stressed and give it more then.

Answer 4

GIve it plenty of water every day for at least 6 weeks.

Give it "miracle grow" and plant spikes for nutrition.

After six weeks, prune off any limbs that are dead or are full of dead brown leaves.

Don't expect plums for years and years.

Answer 5

plant it, water it, WELL! Strip off all the leaves. Any that are alive will only loose moisture for the tree at this point.

Then water it twice a week for awhile if you don't get rainfall.

Then see if it's alive next spring.

Answer 6

CPR