Pruning plum trees is a horticultural practice that not only maintains the health and appearance of the trees but also enhances fruit production. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of pruning plum trees, from the initial shaping of young saplings to the maintenance of mature trees. With the right techniques, you can ensure your plum trees thrive and yield a bountiful harvest.
When you plant a maiden plum tree, which is a tree within its first year after budding or grafting, it's crucial to shape it early on. Typically, plum trees are cultivated as half-standards, featuring a main trunk about 4 feet tall before branching out. This structure, with an open center and a main branch system on the outside, is also common for apples and pears.
After planting in the fall, come spring, you should prune the maiden tree to a bud situated 9 to 12 inches above the desired height for the lowest branch. This encourages shoots to sprout below the cut, from which you'll select the strongest and best-positioned ones, aiming for about five main branches with wide angles to the trunk. To promote growth in the lower buds, make a small incision below the top bud. Notching the bark above selected buds can also help to encourage wide-angled branches. Any growth below the lowest branch should be trimmed back initially, as it helps to thicken the trunk.
In the first couple of years, prune back one-third to one-half of the new growth on the selected branches to an outward-facing bud. As the tree matures, this will be reduced to just tipping, and eventually, no pruning will be necessary. Your tree will develop 6 to 7 well-spaced main branches with lateral growths that will become the primary fruit-bearing wood.
If you've acquired a 2 or 3-year-old plum tree, it's best to wait a year after planting before pruning, as the branch system will have already started to form. Once the framework is established, focus on removing dead or diseased wood, correcting poorly placed or crossing branches, and ensuring that the remaining growth is well-spaced.
Some plum tree varieties naturally droop as they mature. While this doesn't significantly affect early pruning, as the tree grows, the drooping will become more pronounced. For these varieties, prune branch leaders to an upward-pointing bud rather than an outward one. Over time, you may need to shorten lower branches to a subsidiary branch to manage the drooping habit.
Silver Leaf Disease is a serious affliction for plum trees, entering through wounds and cuts, particularly during winter. To minimize the risk, prune young trees in early spring when cuts are small. For established trees, it's safer to prune in late spring or summer during dry weather, as the natural gums exuded help with healing. For any large wounds, apply white lead paint to protect them. Always use sharp tools for clean cuts and avoid cutting too close to the topmost bud.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your plum trees are pruned effectively, leading to healthier trees and more abundant fruit harvests. Remember, the key to successful pruning is understanding the growth habits of your specific plum tree variety and adapting your techniques accordingly.
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