Purple Leaf Plum Tree Problems
The purple leaf plum tree is an ornamental deciduous, which stays relatively small. It is planted for its unique foliage which has burgundy to purple coloration. In the spring the tree blooms abundantly in shades of white and light pink. When problems arise with these trees, they should be promptly treated. Does this Spark an idea?
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Lighting
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One common problem with these trees is a loss of color in the foliage. For a purple leaf plum tree to produce the rich red or purple foliage for which it is named, it must receive adequate light. Plants which receive too much shade will begin to turn green.
Pests
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Pests can affect the growth of a tree significantly, because they feed on the plant, starving it of energy needed to support growth. Pests, especially the Japanese beetle, borer moth, mealy bug, scale and tent caterpillar, commonly infest purple leaf plum trees.
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Disease
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Fungal and bacterial diseases are both serious issues for ornamental trees. Bacterial and fungal leaf spot, mold, cankers and verticillium wilt are serious issues for purple leaf plum trees.
Prevention
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Many of the issues that arise with purple plum trees can be prevented by providing appropriate basic care. Trees should be planted in a location where they receive no less than eight to 10 hours a day of full sun. The soil surrounding the roots must be loose and well drained.
Maintenance
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Disease can be effectively prevented or treated by pruning appropriately. While no scheduled pruning is necessary for purple leaf plums, limbs should be pruned from the tree when dead, damaged or diseased. This prevents the disease from entering through compromised tissue and from spreading from infected limbs.
Treatment
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Pest infestation can often be effectively treated by removing and destroying pests by hand or by applying organic or chemical pesticides. Trees that cannot be pruned to remove diseased tissue should be removed from the landscape and replaced. If an infestation or infection becomes severe before it is discovered, a professional should be consulted. Damaged plants should always be treated with a complete fertilizer to encourage growth after the problem is corrected.
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