Thank you for reaching out, this looks to be a plum tree that may be suffering from a cytospera canker, is there any chance you can provide images closer up of the trunk and perhaps one of the bad leaves / branches so that we can troubleshoot a little more?

Happy Gardening,

Joseph T. 

Hello Kevin,

Have you noticed any fruit on the tree? If you are able to send any photos of fruit or buds, that would help with making a more confident ID.

Based on the photo you sent of the trunk, I am concerned that when the raised bed/terrace was added that the tree was already planted and that the dirt was mounded up along the trunk. It sounds like this was probably completed prior to when you moved in. If the tree was planted too deep, there could be some root rot issues just below the soil line that you are not able to see. 

Additionally, there is some cracking injuries along the trunk and larger branches. These injuries are common on young fruit trees that are not wrapped in the winter. Fruit trees are very susceptible to frost cracking in the winter when we have cold temperatures on sunny days. When we see wounds like this, the tree is more susceptible to attacks from opportunistic pathogens and insects. Are you seeing the presence of any insects on the leaves or any exit holes on the trunk indicative of boring insects? Some of the leaves look quite twisted and curled, this could be caused by aphids, but there are other insects or abiotic factors that can cause this as well.

This tree is fairly mature and has likely been in the landscape for a number of years. Watering 3x per week is likely not necessary. Consider cutting back your watering frequency to once every 10-14 days and focus on watering deeply. Branches that have not leaved out are likely dead. You could prune these branches back or have any arborist come out to complete the work. Ensure that pruning equipment is sanitized to prevent spread of any pathogens. 

If you would like to bring in a sample of any affected parts of the tree, you can visit our El Paso County office at 17 N. Spruce St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905 on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9-12 or 1-4. You can also talk to a master gardener at our Zoom Help Desk and show them parts of your tree in the landscape. Register for the Zoom Help Desk at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcodOyoqz4uE9ztaaiepXsk9LuucdEcWZiF to talk to a master gardener between 4-6pm on Mondays or Wednesdays.

As you observe the tree further, take more photos and reach out to us further so we can continue to help you diagnose the issue.

Best,

Allisa Linfield
Horticulture Coordinator
CSU Extension El Paso County