Plum Tree Updates - How Do they Look?

[ramled99]

Hi Everyone:

I am just checking back in with an update on my two plum trees, Santa Rosa and Satsuma. I posted several weeks back asking advice on what to do and how they looked back then. Got some great feedback.

I did a bit of pruning and I think the trees have been receiving perfect water and sunlight so far here in Southern California.

I posted some pictures below. I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts. The plums are starting to turn red. And they're about the size of golf balls i would. Di I need to do any cutting or pruning? I know someone mentioned that plums won't grow if they're bunched together. Should I get rid of some plums that are too close? Also notice that some of the leaves and fruit are being eaten by something. Any ideas to address that? I assume I need an organic insecticide. Any recommended products to use. I am not familiar with that process and I don't want to kill the leaves or trees. Any advice on that issue?

Overall, I would appreciate any input or advice of any kind. Thanks! Can anyone else post their plum trees and how they're doing this season?

 

[Meadowlark]

How do they look? Great.

Howdy ramled99. Have any mocking birds hanging around? Looks like some birds have been snacking on your ripe plums. To protect mine I usually pick them just before they turn red which seems to be the magical bird attracting color. You might consider thinning some...but really they are heavy producers and for me I just let Nature do whatever thinning. The insect damage looks very light to me...good job!

See my Santa Rosa on the right and a pollinator. Has already produced gallons of juice which we make the best tasting jelly you have ever had.

 

[ramled99]

OMG, yes. We do have mockingbirds in the area. I would never had thought of them. The prior owner actually used to leave food for mockingbirds!

Wow, look at those trees of yours! They look amazing. How long are they roughly.

Do you ever eat your plums as fruit? Are they sweet? How large do they get? Right now, mine are about as small as walnuts and as large as golf balls. I was thinking they would grow some more before picking?