In this article you will find out how to prune plum trees.
One of several articles on how to prune fruit trees. Pruning
plum trees is straightforward, once the trees are established,
and consists mainly of thinning out overcrowded wood. Some
rather more detailed pruning is, however, necessary in the
early years, in order to build up a suitable framework.
How to prune plum trees - Maiden tree:
If a maiden tree is planted, that is, a tree within one
year of budding or grafting, pruning may be carried out
in the Spring, after deciding on tree form. Generally plums
will be grown as half-standards having a main stem about
4 ft. in length, before the branch system.
An open centre is aimed at, the main branch system forming
the outside, with young wood filling in the interior. This
method of forming the half standard tree can also be used
for Apples and Pears.
Assuming a maiden tree has been purchased, this would be
planted in the Autumn and, later on, when the tree has settled
down, and you are wondering how to prune plum trees, it
should be pruned to a bud, 9 to 12 inches above the height
of the lowest branch desired.
In the following season shoots will grow from buds below
the top, and the most suitable are left, ensuring that they
are well spaced and at a wide angle to the stem. Other shoots
are removed, leaving about 5 or so which will form the main
branch system.
The top bud will grow strongly; this can be offset by making
a nick below it with a knife, forcing more growth into the
lower buds. Wide angled branches can be encouraged by making
small notches in the bark above selected buds; the topmost
shoot can be removed later. Any growth arising below the
position of the lowest branch should merely be shortened
for the first year or two before removing, as they assist
in thickening the stem.
The selected branches are subsequently pruned to a suitable
outward pointing bud, during the first year or two, one
third to one half of the new wood being removed; afterwards
this is reduced to mere tipping which is discontinued altogether
eventually. The tree will consist of 6 to 7 well-spaced
main branches, growing from them and lateral growths which
will form the bulk of the fruiting wood.
How to prune plum trees - 2 or 3-year-old If the tree has
been purchased as a 2 or 3-year-old, it is advisable to
defer pruning for one year after planting. The branch system
of such a tree will already have been formed. After the
framework of the tree has been formed, subsequent pruning
will consist of cutting out dead and diseased wood, badly
placed wood crossing, or too upright growth, and ensuring
that the growth remaining is well spaced.
How to prune plum trees - Drooping varieties:
Certain varieties have a drooping habit. Although during
the early years this factor need not influence pruning unduly,
as the tree becomes established the drooping tendency will
be more pronounced.
It will be necessary to prune branch leaders to an upward-pointing
bud, and not to an outward one, as in upright growing varieties.
Similarly, lower branches will hang down, and may have to
be shortened eventually to a more suitable subsidiary branch.
How to prune plum trees - Silver Leaf Disease:
This serious disease of Plums enters the tissues through
open wounds and cuts. It is able to do so during the winter
and most readily infects wood through large cuts which expose
the heart. During the formation period of the tree, pruning
can be carried out in the early Spring, as cuts are relatively
small.
On established trees, however, it is better to defer pruning
until late Spring or Summer, and to perform this operation
during dry weather, especially where large wounds are made.
The natural gums exuded at this time assist healing. Broken
branches should be sawn off neatly, and all large wounds
protected with white lead paint. Always use a sharp, curved
blade knife, or a good pair of secateurs, for pruning. Avoid
"jagged" cuts, which can lead to damage, and do
not cut too closely to the topmost bud.
About The Author
Paul Curran is CEO of Cuzcom Internet Publishing Group
and webmaster at Trees-and-Bushes.com, providing a range
of quality plants, trees, bushes, shrubs, seeds and outdoor
garden products.
Website: http://www.trees-and-bushes.com
