Broken branch- fix or remove?

My 4 year old Victoria plum has a good crop, and I was horrified to see a branch had torn off,leaving itself half attached. I have propped it up and tied it back on,but am not sure whether to cut it off entirely,or try to bind it back on and hope it will repair itself in time. I don't want to risk fungi getting in, it is a good tree,so wondered if I should treat the tear with something?

Any tips?

Thanks
Aria

 

Hello Aria

I did this many years ago with success. As the tree is young, I am assuming the branch is not too long ... if it is, you may wish to shorten it but keep it in shape with the rest of the tree. Rather than propping it up, you may want to tie the broken branch to the main trunk in the correct position padding the bark with something soft so as not to cut into the bark. You can use grafting tape or electrical tape to wrap around the break and you can pre-treat the break with whitewash, tar or grafting wax for protection. The healing process can start within a couple of months.

I am sure a tree expert will come along here and advise you further.

Good luck!