fruit trees dont live forever.. like other trees might ... your was improperly planted under the power line easement.. and it looks like they have hacked it back for years ... it is not uncommon for fruit trees.. to try to reproduce like mad.. before they give up the ghost ... i would NOT invest too much in this tree ... i would invest in a new one ... and plant it in a better location if your yard is big enough ... so that in a few years.. when this one just isnt going to make it ... your replacement will be up and running .... there is nothing you can do about the gigantic scars ... and the termites are winning.. it is time to emotionally separate from it ... i know its not what you want to hear ... but sometimes it helps to plant the new one.. to get past the separation anxiety .. good luck ken

well .... these trees are short lived... decorative trees that suffer from a few diseases ... frankly i am on my last one .... i an tired of all the disease .... the gaping wounds. .. the gall .. the leaking sap .... its just not worth it .... i refuse to prune mine on the grounds of spreading the disease ... and when the tree starts losing branches .. i will prune it at ground level with malice and aforethought ... and not 'try' number 4 ... start thinking about what would be better in that spot ... sorry .. ken

Thanks again rayrose for your response and appreciate your offer to send scion wood. I was out of town and got back today, will take a picture of my methley plum and post it tomorrow. Regarding grafting, In the last week of Feb this year, I tried grafting morris and bruce plums scions that I got from folks I met in a local nursery event but both scions seem to have dried out, I don't see any life in them. I think I did not properly graft them, I can try again but not sure whether I can graft fruit trees in spring in Dallas. I'll reach out to you next winter for scions, please share the varieties of plums or other stone fruits you have. Thanks.

Too much water? Dig down about 4"-6" just before it gets watered and see what you have...dry or wet. Expanding/splitting bark is often too much water. Can't tell from the photo if it is planted at the right depth. The crown of the tree trunk should be slightly higher than the surrounding territory. Agree that it needs more air and that the pavers are too close. It is probably a lost cause, but if you check the roots you will see what is going on. Too wet or too dry. Too wet and they will all be rotten. Too dry and they will be shriveled. Then you can change your schedule accordingly. If it dies, you can plant another one and know better how to care for it in your specific location. We all go thru these (expensive sometimes) learning experiences, but you will be a better gardener for it. Wishing you success. -Babka