HelpfulGardener.com

Hello,
A couple of weeks ago I purchased a bare root Weeping Santa Rosa plum tree and planted it. But just yesterday I noticed two areas on the trunk that concern me. I am not an avid gardener, so I need advice. Is the tree diseased? Is this damage? Or is this normal and nothing to worry about? Should I return the tree? I look forward to your input. Thanks!

Hi msmaribel,
I would get this tree exchanged.
Those two lesions are signs of canker and on a plum tree it could become very serious.
Canker on the trunk of any tree is a problem to avoid but on a plum may lead to Bacterial Canker which is a potential killer on stone fruit.
Avoid buying any fruit tree which shows a damaged trunk.

If for some reason you cannot exchange the tree then trim both those sites back with a sharp knife until you expose clean wood all round the wound. Then paint the wounds straight away with a sealing or grafting paint.to keep spores away from the wounds while they heals.

Good luck.

Hi John,
Thank you so much for your response! Your input is very helpful, and I will definitely take the tree out of the ground and return it.
Maribel