Q. I have two Santa Rosa plum trees planted in my
backyard. The one in
the lawn area has about 25% small yellow plums that fall off when I flick them
or shake the branches.
One is planted in a lawn area
and the other in a rock landscape with a mulched area approximately 6ft. in
diameter. Both are doing well with
numerous large plums growing. The one in
the lawn area has about 25% small yellow plums that fall off when I flick them
or shake the branches. The remainder of
the larger plums look great.
Is this tree getting too much water or is this a natural thinning
process going on?
A. The yellowing fruit is a sign of a lack of pollination
and they fall off naturally. Usually called “June drop” in some texts. I have some good pictures I can include later of plum with poor pollination. Check back after May 1st.