Gardening for Trees & Plants : About Plum Tree Fungus

Plum tree fungus is caused by excessive moisture in the spring and fall, leading to rot and the growth of fungus on the leaves and branches.

The best way to control plum tree fungus is to apply a natural fungicide in the middle of the summer. Additionally, thinning out the tree and pruning it after fruiting can help improve air flow and reduce susceptibility to the fungus.

There are different types of fungicides available, but natural ones are recommended over synthetic chemicals. These natural fungicides usually come in powder form and help to dry out the fungus.

Japanese native plum varieties tend to be more resistant to wet conditions and fungus compared to Italian plum varieties. If you live in a wet area, consider selecting plum tree varieties that are known to handle moisture well.

It is generally better to avoid using synthetic chemicals to treat plum tree fungus. Instead, try implementing cultural practices such as proper pruning and selecting resistant varieties. If the problem persists, a small amount of fungicide applied in the summer may be necessary.