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Young plums are generally pruned in early spring, before bud break, in order to avoid infection by silver leaf disease. Begin pruning immediately when you plant a young tree to ensure a proper shape. Established fruit tree plums are best pruned in midsummer. Trimming flowering plum trees is not advised.
What month do you prune plum trees?
When to prune plums Avoid pruning plums in winter, as it increases the risk of infection by silver leaf disease to which plums and other Prunus species are prone. The best time for pruning is usually spring for young trees and mid-summer for established ones.
Should plum trees be pruned every year?
Pruning established plum trees Prune every year in early spring (April), before bud break. Remove any suckers growing from the rootstock. Rub out any buds growing on the lower trunk. Cut out any dead, damaged or diseased wood, and dispose of it as appropriate, removing it from the garden.
How far back can you prune a plum tree?
After three or four years the tree will likely be growing tall. Prune back the trunk 12 – 20 inches at a bud each year so fruit and vegetative buds concentrate in the bottom tree branches. Every year, cut out dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also remove unproductive shoots and any crossing branches.
How do you prune an overgrown plum tree?
The basic principles are: If significant pruning is required spread it over two or three years. Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches (the three Ds) first. Prune away any crossing branches. Thin out the centre of the tree. When pruning at this stage, try to maintain the “balance” of the tree.
How do you prune a plum tree in the spring?
Plum trees are best pruned in a vase format to get a short trunk with three or four major branches to come off of the trunk at a 45-degree angle. This allows plenty of light and air into the tree. Always use sterilized and sharp pruning shears when you trim.
Can you prune plum trees after fruiting?
Prune when the buds are just bursting, or when the tree is just beginning to flower. Established plum trees that are more than three years old can be pruned in summer, from mid-June onwards. Again, the aim is to keep the tree a manageable size and shape, while allowing the fruit to ripen.
How do you prune a Santa Rosa plum tree?
How to Trim a Dwarf Santa Rosa Plum Tree Cut the tree back immediately after planting. Allow the tree to grow for the summer before choosing three or four branches to become permanent scaffolds, or the primary sideways branches of the tree. Wait to prune the tree again until late in the winter after planting.
Can you trim the top of a plum tree?
If your plum is not unreasonably tall and is basically healthy, you can leave the tree at its existing height and prune it to clear away branches that don’t bear fruit. The first branches to remove are those that are dead, damaged, broken or infected. This type of pruning should be done annually.
Do plums fruit on new wood?
But remember, plums fruit on young wood. Avoid removing branches that are less than three years old unless you have to. Don’t leave a stub of branch sticking out – it will only die back and could introduce disease.
How tall should a plum tree be?
Most plum trees will reach 16 feet (5 m.) at maturity or 14 feet (4 m.) if they are a dwarf variety. If you live in a more northerly climate, you may consider planting your plum tree in a location where it will have protection from cold winds, as they are prone to late frost damage.
How long do plum trees live?
Like peach and nectarine trees, plum trees are among the shorter-lived species of fruit tree. On average, they may only live for 20-30 years, even less if they fall victim to a storm or an invasion of insects or disease.
How do you take care of a plum tree?
How to Care for Plum Trees. Be sure to water the young trees heavily every week during the first growing season to help promote growth. Then, water regularly. It’s best to water the plant deeply at the soil line, then let the soil dry out (though not completely) and water again.
How do you reduce the height of a tree?
There are recommended arboricultural techniques to reduce the height or spread of a tree. Known as crown reduction, branches can be removed back to their point of origin or cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role.
How do you look after Victoria plum trees?
The site should get full sun but it should also be sheltered from wind and weather. This will keep high winds and late frosts from damaging the crop. Growing Victoria plums is far easier if you start with excellent soil. Make sure it is well-worked and add in organic compost before you plant.
How do you train a plum tree?
Initial training The angle of the main stem slows the movement of sap and encourages more even growth. Trim any side shoots back to three or four buds in March to April. Prune the leading shoot by one third to a suitable bud and thereafter prune in summer. Tie the cordon to a bamboo cane fixed to the wires.
