Is My Plum Tree Dead ?

Hope I may be in time to get some valuable info from someone out there ! I have a plum tree (I am fairly sure it is a Marjories Seedling) that I recently transferred from my garden to an allotment plot which has clay soil (as has my garden but less so). I dug a big hole, filled it full of good compost and watered it well. Within a week, the leaves had gone all dry and crispy and were falling off. Is there hope and what should I do ?

All assistance from you lovely people gratefully received...
'Worried' of Bristol...

Re: Is My Plum Tree Dead ?

Reply from ELAINE HUTSON

The answer might be in the questions, when did you transplant, and how big was it? The best time to transplant would be end of Nov-Feb., If it is large, it is best to thin out the top, so you make up for the root loss, also nursery people root prune, by taking a sharp shovel and digging around the drip line in summer, watering to encourage more capillary roots etc. then moving the root ball.

Re: Re: Is My Plum Tree Dead ?

Reply from Rob Wiltsher

Thanks, Elaine. It was replanted about 2 weeks ago and stands about 5 feet.

Re: Is My Plum Tree Dead ?

Reply from Ruskins Trees

If transplanted and cared for correctly, a transplanted tree will establish.

If the process has stressed the tree to much, it will react. It may dieback to reduce its canopy to compensate for its reduced root system. Check the cambium to establish if this has occurred, lightly scrape the bark in areas of concern, a thin green layer should be visible, if alive, just under the bark.

The tree may have dropped leaves to reduce transpiration. It may re-flush this year with new leaves.