Overview
Pruning plum is an essential task for maintaining the health and productivity of yourfruit trees . Byremoving superfluous branchesand mold the tree , you canencourage yield production , meliorate air circulation , and forbid disease . This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the cognition and tips you want to crop your plum tree diagram like a pro .
Understanding the Basics of Plum Pruning
Pruning plum trees need withdraw certain branches to meliorate the tree diagram ’s social organisation and promote fruit production . Theideal timeto prune plums is during the dormant season , typically in recent wintertime or early spring . However , you may also perform light pruning during thegrowing seasontoremove suckersor deadwood .
Essential Pruning Tools
Before youstart pruning , foregather the necessary tools :
Step-by-Step Pruning Guide
1. Remove Dead or Diseased Wood
Start by identifying and removing any bushed , diseased , ordamaged branches . These branch will notbear fruitand canspread diseaseto other office of the tree .
2. Thin Out Crowded Branches
Overcrowded branches contend for sunlight , water supply , and nutrient . Remove any branches that are scotch or rubbing against each other . This willimprove gentle wind circulationand prevent disease .
3. Shape the Tree
Prune branch to make an undetermined , vase - mold tree . This physique allows sunshine to reach all office of the tree andpromotes fruit production . Remove any branches that grow directly up or down .
4. Remove Suckers
Suckers aresmall shootsthat farm from the base of the tree or from the roots . These suckers cansteal nutrientsfrom the tree and should be removed as soon as they appear .
5. Prune for Fruit Production
Toencourage yield product , prune branchesthat are quondam than two old age . contract back these branch to a distance of about 6 - 8 in . Newfruiting woodwill grow from these branches .
6. Remove Water Sprouts
water supply sprout are tight - growing , unsloped shootsthat grow from the trunk or branches . These shoot do not bear fruit and can countermine the tree . Removewater sproutsas soon as they appear .
7. Disinfect Pruning Tools
After pruning , disinfect your peter to preclude the feast of disease . you may use a solution of 10 % blanching agent to pee .
Tips for Pruning Plums
Harvesting Ripe Plums
After pruning your plum tree trees , you’re able to have a bun in the oven a bounteous harvest . Ripe plum are typically ready to harvest in mid to late summer . front for fruit that isfully colored , balmy to the touch , and easily comes off the limb when lightly twist around .
Answers to Your Questions
1. Can I prune plum trees in the summer?
Yes , you may do light cut back during the maturate season toremove suckersor fifth wheel . However , major pruningshould be done during the torpid season .
2. How often should I prune plum trees?
Plum trees should bepruned annuallyto maintain their shape and productiveness .
3. Can I use hedge trimmers to prune plum trees?
No , hedging trimmerscandamage branchesand should not be used for pruning plum tree trees .
