waterlogged soil - plum tree

[plam]

Hello, I'm new here

In Nov I planted plum tree, we're on clay soil which can be very wet in winter and dries hard in summer - is very patchy some parts much better than others. I planted the tree in a spot I thought was ok, but has turned out to be quite wet. It isn't waterlogged all of the time, but with all the rain we've been having there have been quite a few times when it has been waterlogged for a few days or a week at a time.

I could move it - I don't really want to, but if it's going to die I guess now would be the time whilst it is still dormant?

Any ideas?

Many thanks!

[Invicta]

Hi
If you think you need to move it do it now before it starts to leaf out, or you will be stuck till next autumn. Clay soil shouldn't be a problem in itself as plums are more tolerant of these soils than apples or pears. An occasional waterlogging for a week in the middle of winter probably would do no lasting harm, but if the soil is waterlogged for a few months then you have a major problem. if you replant consider mound planting so the tree is raised above the surround ground. this enables the tree to get away to a good start.

[plam]

thanks for the reply. think ill leave it as isn't permanently waterlogged, more a week here and there. It is by an old apple tree that seems happy, so i think i'll do nothing and hope for the best!

[clod]

You could improve the drainage before the roots spread out if you're keen-
borrow or hire a soil auger (a bit like a giant corkscrew!) and bore cores 2-3 feet deep
fill the holes with gravel - job done, excess water will find its way down these sinks

[plam]

thats interesting, thanks. Are they the same things you use to make holes for fence posts?

[clod]

I think so, tho I've never used them! There are powered versions of post-hole borers (eg Stihl) but I've only used a hand auger.

I guess any way of making a deep neat hole easily would do

[starloc]

Plums are frequently planted on edges of farmers fields to drain the water in the ditches as they like wet ground.

[plam]

Plums are frequently planted on edges of farmers fields to drain the water in the ditches as they like wet ground.

Thanks, that's encouraging!