Plum tree with deer damage

[2JHead]

I planted this plum tree last summer. It has been in the ground in my garden for almost exactly one year. I pruned it lightly in march to train it for a vase shape. This is my first go at fruit trees. Or any gardening even [emoji4]

This spring the tree ran into some deer damage. One of the 4 main branches on the tree got the bark eaten off of around half the circumference, at a length of around 5 inches:

As you can see, another branch has developed directly underneath the damaged branch.

I am hoping for some direction on how to handle this situation [emoji4]

Will the damaged branch heal?
Should I simply cut the damaged branch off?
If cut, should I do it now or wait untill winter?

Thanx [emoji4]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[White_Fang]

The damaged branch will certainly heal, but it will take more time, than to let the new replacement branch grow out (which is already growing and is positioned well in the crown of the tree). So, I think you should cut it off when the new branch hardens, so wait to the winter, and then cut it. Good luck.

 

[White_Fang]

I just saw that this was posted in July 2019th, and not 2020th. My bad.

 

[farmer steve]

I just saw that this was posted in July 2019th, and not 2020th. My bad.

Deer probably ate the rest of it off since last year.