GOT A FRUIT OR VEG PROBLEM? ASK KG FOR HELP

PLUM TREE SPLITTING

Four years ago I inherited my dad’s house with a large garden. One side of the garden is lined with fruit trees and bushes which I do my best to look after. In the middle of the lawn is an old plum tree. I did prune it right back two years ago. The trunk seems to be splitting so I have supported it with stakes. My dad, with all his wisdom, thought he could sweeten the fruit by sprinkling a bag of sugar round the base.

Ann Jones, Caerphilly

*STAR* QUESTION WINS £25 VVOUCHER

David Patch, professional nurseryman, R V Roger Ltd DAVID SAYS: Bark splitting on old plum trees is quite common – the growth can also be quite brittle and branches can break in high winds or if overloaded with fruit. It can be a sign of uneven moisture levels, so I would clear a 1m diameter circle under the base of the tree and apply a thick layer of mulch in spring when the soil is damp to conserve moisture and even things out. Where bark as already split there is little you can do, but applying a proprietary winter wash in December or January will help keep the plant clean and healthy.