What fruit tree can I plant in place of a plum?

[rosiepumpkin]

We're cutting down a mature yellow plum tree next to my east facing greenhouse. Which fruit trees can we plant in its place?

We already have an apple and pear. We'd like a cherry only it's a site not in full sun so I'd prefer to keep this sunny spot for a tree which needs the sun more.

I'm in a sheltered spot in London with clay based soil (not London clay) which floods occasionally but on the orher hand has lots of nearby mature decidous trees.

we can look after plants but we're not big on maintenance so that's a factor.

I want to put an apricot in the greenhouse next to where we want the tree. Will this matter?

Wise words will be appreciated.

[Guest]

I don't know about wise words - coming from me. However, best practice is don't replace the tree with another stone fruit tree. This is due to a build up of beasties and nasties in the soil and trees from the same family struggling to establish against them. You say you already have a pear and an apple but what are the crops like from them? it is likely to be beneficial top have another for pollination reasons. Also there are a lot of different varieties that are better for different things so they are worth considering. Eat fresh, fresh storage, preserves, dessert cookers, dual purpose, cider/perry etc. etc.

[rosiepumpkin]

i'm on an allotment and have nearby trees of nearly all fruits. The apple tree is huge and is being reduced so we have enough of those. 2 people in a tiny flat can only do so much with the same kind of produce.

i was wondering about the stone fruits thng myself. it'll be a real pain if we can't plantba stone fruit there.

[veggiechicken]

Do you know what the roots of the plum tree are like? If they're big, you may have difficulty getting them out and finding enough room for another set of tree roots.

[rosiepumpkin]

This is a complicated business. No idea. I'll have a look. The tree is 7-9 foot and only 3-4 feet wide.

[fishpond]

Hi
You need to look up replant disease (it is not a disease, but reading about it might well save you from wasting money, even if the existing roots can be removed--unless you are able to completely change the soil in that area).
If you have enough apples and pears, how about soft fruit for a few years, or if you have an apple or pear that is under performing, whip it out and put a Plum in there, and another Apple or pear where the Plum was. Just an idea.

[FB.]

If you really want another plum, you'd have a reasonable chance of success if you can find one on a vigorous rootstock (such as Brompton) which will be strong enough to gradually outgrow the soil-borne pests and diseases in the soil around the old plum tree.

However, a vigorous rootstock in a 'replant' situation is likely to grow considerably slower than in fresh soil, and probably will only grow at a slow to medium rate in replant soil.

Here's one reputable supplier of (bare root) fruit trees on Brompton rootstock:
> Keepers Nursery <

A 'maiden' would probably be the best choice because you can train it how you want. Keepers may have a few 'standards' but the trunk may be too tall for your needs.

[rosiepumpkin]

We want a cherry instead of fhe plum. Changing the soil is an option as it's only a small area and I have compost I haven't used yet (council compost not the bagged stuff). How deep would I need to go down and I'll look up replant disease, thank you.