Pruning a plum tree is a vital part of proper care and maintenance. Pruning can help encourage healthy growth, improve the tree’s fruiting, and also help reduce disease inside the tree. Pruning should be done every year for best results.
The following steps will help you properly prune your plum tree:
1. Begin pruning just after the winter season, sometime between late February and late March.
2. Cut away any dead, dead-looking, or diseased branches. Make sure to remove all branches that have cankers, collar rots and other signs of disease.
3. Thin out the tree’s canopy, removing any excessively dense branches. This will help ensure that sunlight can reach all parts of the tree, encouraging it to produce more plums.
4. Check for water shoots at the edges of the tree. These should be cut back to the limb they come from or straight to the trunk of the tree.
5. Pay special attention to the horizontal branches. Plum trees tend to produce more fruit when these are present, so be sure to remove any that are overcrowding.
6. Prune off any branches that overhang nearby structures or that are heavily shaded.
7. When you’re finished with your pruning, clean the tools you used with a 10 percent bleach solution. This will help decrease the chance of spreading any diseases from one tree to another.
Always remember to prune your trees correctly and correctly sanitizing your tools. Proper pruning of a plum tree will help ensure a bountiful crop for years to come.
When should you trim a plum tree?
Plum trees should be trimmed annually when they are dormant, typically in late winter or early spring before they begin to leaf out. During trimming, any dead or damaged branches should be removed, as well as branches that are crossing or rubbing together.
Additionally, any branches that are growing in an awkward direction should be removed, including branches that grow down towards the ground rather than up. To encourage good fruit production, some of the surrounding branches should also be removed to increase air movement around the tree and to allow light to reach the lower branches of the tree.
If more vigorous pruning is required, it is best to wait until after the fruit has been harvested.
Should plum trees be pruned every year?
Yes, plum trees should be pruned every year in order to promote healthy growth and longevity. Pruning ensures that enough light and air can reach all parts of the tree, creating a symmetrical shape to the tree’s canopy and helping to prevent disease from spreading across its branches.
It also helps to remove weak, dead, and diseased branches, as well as to trim back branches that are getting too large or tangled. Pruning earlier in the season also helps prevent pests such as aphids and mites from becoming a problem.
Additionally, when pruning a plum tree, it is important to not over-prune, as this can leave the tree vulnerable to disease and weaken the overall structure. Lastly, pruning early in the growing season allows the tree’s energy to be channeled into growing new, healthy branches and leaves.
While it may seem like extra work and effort, regularly pruning plum trees is key to keeping them healthy and productive.
How tall should a plum tree be?
The ideal height for a plum tree will depend on your goal for the tree. If you are just looking to grow an ornamental tree, then a mature height of 10-15 ft is generally ideal. If you plan on growing fruit from the tree, you will want to maintain your tree at 5-7 ft.
This will allow for easier harvesting of the fruit and access to the lower branches for pruning. When selecting the type of plum tree, be sure to consider your space limitations as well as your desired yield.
What month do plum trees produce fruit?
Plum trees typically produce fruits in the late spring and early summer. Depending on the variety, the time of year for bearing fruit can vary; however, some plums may produce fruit in late summer or early fall.
Generally, plum trees will flower annually in early spring, followed by the fruit ripening and becoming available to harvest over several months. For example, a red-fleshed Japanese plum (such as Santa Rosa) typically blooms in mid-March in the northern hemisphere and is usually harvested in late June or early July.
Damson and Italian prune varieties bloom a bit later (around mid-April) and can be harvested in late summer or early fall.
What is the fertilizer for a plum tree?
When fertilizing a plum tree, it is important to choose a fertilizer that is suitable for fruit-bearing trees. Look for fertilizer that is specifically labeled for fruit trees. A balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer is often recommended.
NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which the tree needs in order to grow and produce fruit. Apply the fertilizer in the early spring or late winter, and again in late summer. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the tree in a circle, about one to two feet away from the trunk.
Avoid directly between the tree and the trunk, as this could cause severe damage. Continue to water the tree regularly, and apply additional fertilizer during the season if needed.
What should I look for when buying a plum tree?
When buying a plum tree, there are several key characteristics to consider.
First and foremost, consider the type of plum tree you want to buy. Plums range from European to Japanese varieties, such as Green Gage and Santa Rosa, which have different levels of sweetness and tartness.
Consider the type of tree and its eventual size, as well as its required climate and soil conditions to ensure it will thrive in your yard.
Additionally, factor in the tree’s disease resistance. Some plum trees are more resistant to particular diseases, while others may be prone to contracting them. Researching the variety of plum tree you are considering is important to ensure it is adapted to your climate.
Finally, check the tree’s root system before you buy it. Select a tree that has healthy roots and evenly distributed branches without any visible signs of damage or disease. A plum tree with healthy roots and branches will be of better quality and will produce better fruit than one with damaged or diseased parts.
By researching the type of plum tree you want to buy, its disease resistance, and a healthy root and branch system, you can choose a tree that will thrive in your yard and produce delicious fruit.
Can you cut the top off a plum tree?
In general, it is not advisable to cut the top off a plum tree. Pruning the top of a tree is called ‘topping’ and can be done when a tree is overgrown or for decorative purposes, however it is not recommended for plum trees as it can cause a great deal of damage to the tree and reduce the amount of fruits it produces.
Topping causes the tree to produce new, weak branches which are vulnerable to structural damage, diseases, and pests. It also often triggers the growth of several large water sprouts at the pruning sites which can rob the tree of energy and resources.
In addition, topping also results in an abundance of fruits at the top of the tree which can be difficult to reach and cause the branches to break. Pruning can still be a beneficial practice for plum trees, however it is important to remove unwanted branches one at a time with clean, sharp pruning sheers and ensure that no more than 25% of the tree is removed in any one season.
How do you reduce the height of a tree?
The first is pruning, which involves selectively removing branches to reduce the overall height of the tree. Pruning should be done carefully, preferably by an experienced arborist, in order to ensure the proper angle of the remaining branches, which should be at least one-third of the tree’s new height.
Another method is crown reduction. This involves carefully reducing the lateral branches that make up the tree’s canopy, usually with the guidance of an arborist. Crown reduction should be done in such a way that the overall symmetry of the tree is not adversely affected.
A third method is topping, which is the most drastic form of tree pruning. Topping involves cutting off the central leader of the tree, which can reduce the total height of the tree by half. This is a controversial practice, however, since it can leave the tree vulnerable to disease and damage.
Finally, some trees may respond to root pruning. This is done by cutting back tree roots that are near the surface of the soil, usually in a band around the trunk of the tree. This method can effectively reduce the height of a tree without changing its appearance.
It should be done carefully, however, as it can cause damage or even death to the root system of the tree.
What is the difference between plum and prune?
Plums and prunes are both part of the same family of fruits, but they’re actually quite different. Plums are typically round or oval-shaped, juicy, and sweet, with a smooth, thin skin. They range in colour from yellow to red or purple, depending on the variety.
Prunes, on the other hand, are usually dried, wrinkled, and darker-coloured plums. They tend to have a soft, chewy texture, with a sweet and slightly sour taste. Nutritionally speaking, prunes have a higher calorie and sugar content than plums due to their reduced water content.
Plums also have a higher content of vitamins and minerals than prunes. Plums are most commonly eaten fresh, either as a snack or as part of a dish, whereas prunes are often used for baking or for making jams and sauces.
How much can you cut back a plum tree?
When pruning plum trees, you should be careful not to over prune, since it can lead to decreased flower production, reduced fruit production, and damage to the tree. You want to ensure that the structure and health of the tree remain, so you don’t want to take off too much at a time.
Start with the dead, diseased or broken branches, as they should be taken out completely. The amount to prune depends largely on the stage of development the tree is in.
For young trees (up to 4 years old), prune them to create a central leader and a V-shaped tree. Once you have established this structure, you don’t have to prune much unless you are removing competing branches that grow around the central leader.
For mature trees (after 4 years old) you should prune to thin out old wood and maintain shape. This means pruning away any intersecting branches and thinning out the center of the tree to allow sunlight to penetrate.
In general, for mature trees, you want to prune about one-third of the top growth and dead or weak branches every year.
It is important to note that different plum varieties require different types of pruning and amounts of pruning. It is best to contact your local nursery to get advice on the best pruning method for specific types of plum trees.
Can you trim plum trees in winter?
Yes, you can trim plum trees in the winter if needed. Pruning is a great way to keep the tree healthy and strong. Winter is a great time to prune plum trees because they are dormant and there is less humidity in the air.
It is always important to prune a tree correctly by using the right techniques and tools. Start by removing any dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches. Make sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears and angle your cuts at least 1/4 inch above the bud to encourage proper healing and healthy new growth.
Next, cut back any branches that are excessively crowded or long to create a healthy structure and increase air circulation. You can also thin out any heavy fruiting clusters to ensure that your tree doesn’t become too heavily laden with fruit.
Finally, make sure to apply a light layer of mulch around the base after you are finished pruning. This will help to keep weeds down and maintain a healthy level of moisture.
Can you prune fruit trees in December?
It is not advised to prune fruit trees in December, or during periods with temperatures below freezing. Pruning fruit trees during these months can make them more vulnerable to winter injuries and can reduce the amount of winter hardiness developed by the tree.
Additionally, trees that have been recently pruned may have fresh wounds that are more susceptible to diseases or pests. It is best to prune fruit trees during the late winter or early spring when temperatures are above freezing, as the tree is already dormant and the wounds will not be adversely affected by cold temperatures.
Pruning during these times can result in larger and more abundant fruit in the summer.
Is it too late to prune fruit trees?
No, it’s not too late to prune fruit trees. The best time to prune fruit trees is usually during the late winter or early spring. Pruning during this time encourages new growth, which can help promote fruit production.
The goal is to maintain a balanced canopy to encourage airflow, sunlight, and disease control throughout the tree. Pruning in late winter or early spring can help reduce insect and disease problems because exposure to the elements during dormancy can reduce the growth of pests.
If pruning is done late in the season, after trees are actively growing, it’s important to avoid removing more than 10-20% of the plant’s canopy. It’s also important to make pruning cuts close to the branch rather than leaving a stub.
After pruning, it’s important to disinfect pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease to other plants. Proper regards of pruning fruit trees in the late season can still be beneficial, but should be done with caution.
Is it OK to prune trees in February?
No, it is not generally recommended to prune trees in February. Pruning at the wrong time of year can damage trees and can promote diseases and insects. February is a time of dormancy or rest for deciduous trees, so it is important to wait for the trees to resume growth in the spring before pruning.
If pruning is necessary, it should be done after buds emerge and before new growth begins in the spring. Dead and diseased branches of evergreens, however, can be trimmed at any time of year.