Will a badly broken fruit tree recover?

[amelia]

I'm betting it was a racoon going after the fruit that broke a large (1-inch diameter) branch from a really nice plum tree--tore it right off of a main limb, leaving a gash about 4 inches long and a good half-inch deep. Is there anything I can do to help this tree survive? Do you think it's likely to heal? Thanks in advance for any ideas. It's a neat tree.

[ksfarmer]

It should heal over and be ok. You might go to a local nursery and get some dressing for it, but not really necessary.

[Old Vet]

Originally Posted by amelia

I'm betting it was a racoon going after the fruit that broke a large (1-inch diameter) branch from a really nice plum tree--tore it right off of a main limb, leaving a gash about 4 inches long and a good half-inch deep. Is there anything I can do to help this tree survive? Do you think it's likely to heal? Thanks in advance for any ideas. It's a neat tree.

Is it a tame plum or a wild plum. If it is a wild plum it will heal over and do good since the fruit is already been set and probably ripe. A tame plum will heal but not as quick as a wild plum. If the main stem was broken it will not heal.

[ronbre]

if the break is above the grafts..it might..never hurts to protect and open wound and clean up any jagged areas that might house vermin