Plums typically need to be in the vicinity of another tree to bear decently. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Department of Horticulture Purdue University. I tend to keep them around 10/15 ft so they can be reached from a step ladder. Thank you. Your explanation combined with visual aids made the task easy. The time for plum tree pruning depends on the maturity and type of plum tree. ", "Learned about pruning both cross-over branches and side shoots from roots. Name – Prunus domestica Family – Rosaceae Type – fruit tree. Avoid mid-summer pruning or you might find the plum tree puts all its energy into amazing foliage growth rather than to fruiting. The tap root of any deciduous tree will be longer than the radius of the tree and as the tree trunk expands in diameter so does the tap root. Homeowners should prune trees to remove dead, diseased limbs or to open up the canopy. Adjust the base of the ladder against something sturdy and settle the top against the trunk with sturdy branches to either side to prevent slipping. "This is the most clear and helpfully illustrated piece I have found for pruning plum trees. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. The following article contains information on how and when to prune a peach tree along with other helpful information regarding pruning a peach tree. Pruning too much in late winter can lead to vegetative overgrowth and reduced fruit production. Wait until new growth is 3 inches long. Place a ladder safely under the tree to reach the upper sections. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? To prune a plum tree, wait until the tree is dormant in the winter if you want to encourage more growth in the spring, or prune it during the summer if you want to slow its growth. All Rights Reserved. Make sure the ladder is securely positioned and stable. If you prune while the tree is trying to actively grow in the spring, it is even more of a burden. Pruning the young plum tree is easy. Use the pole pruners for parts of the tree you can't safely reach from the ladder. Each cut you make compromises the tree protection system and opens the tree to potential fungus and insect infestation. Regarding pruning an established plum tree in Northern California, can it be pruned after the tree buds? Pruning while the tree is dormant encourages vibrant growth come spring, and it's less likely to cause damage to the tree than summer pruning. your tree is older than the example at the start of the article. The size of the tree will determine which tools are needed. Plums: pruning Plum trees do not require as precise pruning as apples and pears, but still benefit from initial training and the thinning of old wood to ensure they produce as much fruit as possible. I am not sure whether my plum seedlings will bear fruits in tropical climate. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Approved. Evaluate the tree from 10 to 15 feet away to discern if the branches have approximately 2 feet of vertical space between them. Summer pruning can correct the faults, but you may have to spread it out over two or three seasons to avoid stressing the tree to the point of damage. Regardless of what portion of the tree you prune… ", opportunity to apply the knowledge passed on in this article. After pruning, your flowering plum tree should have a scaffold appearance with a main trunk or leader and branches that are perpendicular to the trunk. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Support wikiHow by Can I prune my plum tree whenever I want? For tips on pruning a young plum tree, keep reading! Flowering plum trees are popular additions to a landscaping plan. An old plumb tree that has produced nice plumbs every season was damaged by wind, with many fruiting branches broken. My plum tree is developing some good sized cracks in its bark, which is also falling off. It may be necessary to have a second person hold the ladder for additional support. Pruners should know as … This was very helpful to us, as all our trees are 20 years old or even more. Just what I needed, thank you. Pruning them in the winter or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the flowers. Fewer bugs to swat or bulbs to trample. Unfortunately, I do not think that your tree is healthy. When is the best time to prune back a peach tree? Because of this, you DO N… When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts. Neglected trees are worth an article of their own. All young fruit trees need some pruning to get them off to a good start. Plums are pruned in … By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. After pruning, should I use pruning sealer? It is recommended that they be pruned annually to maintain their shape and growth. A center trunk does not make much difference in the production of fruit; it just means the tree will not get much taller unless you encourage a branch to become the central leader. http://cesonoma.ucdavis.edu/files/27164.pdf, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-plum-tree-52285.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Never prune in winter (to avoid silver leaf disease). ", instructions, all will be good. My tree bears a lot of fruit, but it all falls off the tree when it is tiny. If you pruned earlier you would risk cutting off the buds and … Plums … By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Planting, pruning … This article has been viewed 542,693 times. Apples Pears Plums. Buds are developed the previous season. If you have a fan-trained plum, you will need to shape as you cut it. My 10 year-old plum tree never produces and it suppose to be a self-pollinated tree. More trees are damaged by over pruning than by being left alone. If you prune in the summer, be careful not to cut away too much of the tree. Prune only as much as you absolutely need to prune, and never remove more than 25 percent of a tree's branches. The canopy of a plum tree is upright and very dense. ", "These instructions and graphics were clear and concise. When planting new trees… ", "Learned the time of year to trim my mature tree. The reason is that you want to prune them as they begin to produce. A good pruning regimen can keep your flowering plum tree healthy for years to come. This type of plant is pruned immediately after flowering. My plum tree had some flowers in spring, but no fruit. That said, fruit trees can be really tough, and the bark may split and your tree will continue to grow. We can help with hazardous limb and tree removal, tree pruning… NOTE: As you follow these steps do not remove more than 30 percent of the tree in one season. Pruning too late in the summer can make the tree vulnerable to cold winter temperatures. Young fruit trees and mature fruit trees have different needs when it comes to pruning. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Remove all diseased, damaged and weak branches. Very few plum trees are said to be self-pollinating. Save some pruning for the summer. Can I prune a plum tree if it already has blooms? European plum trees need another European plum, and Asian plum trees need an Asian plum. ", such as myself. If larger branches have developed a collar, cut just outside the collar, a few inches from the trunk. Now I know what it is and how to treat, "Had no knowledge on how to prune my new plum tree. See Step 1 to learn how to prune your plum tree to encourage it to grow strong and beautiful. First and Second Year Pruning. Too much fruit is your problem. There is not much you can do unless you can identify what is going on and treat the tree. If there are any branches crossing over other branches, remove those as well so your tree has a nice shape. Just snip out a few lateral steams to either maintain a design or encourage strong growth. Dead and diseased branches can be removed any time of year, since taking them off won't affect the growth of the tree. Pruning at this time gives it the rest of the growing season to produce new greenery. Height – 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 m) Exposure – full sun Soil – rich enough. If branches are not available, the ladder can be bound in place. ", trees, but decided to wait for a little dryer season in springtime. Removing vertical limbs, growing less than 12 inches from other branches, increases light to the canopy and improves the tree's health. This article received 22 testimonials and 92% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Any kind of pruning stresses a plant. July and August is the best time to prune … Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Thanks for your help. Also, prune off any branches that aren't producing fruit. Dispose of all cuttings to avoid transfer of disease. Branches growing too closely together can create narrow crotches which may eventually crack and damage the tree. When do I prune a plum tree that is in a pot? Last Updated: November 18, 2020 Another plus is that winter pruned plant… I am not sure how I will do, hopefully with your. If you prune these shrubs in late winter, there’s an excellent chance you’ll cut out branches that contain flower buds. Established fruit tree plums are best pruned in mid-summer. Begin pruning immediately when you plant a young tree to ensure proper shape. Most routine pruning is done to remove infestation, weak, dead or diseased branches, and can be completed at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. Pruning them in the winter or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the flowers. For the first two years of the tree's life, prune only during the dormant season and keep the scaffold whorl cut back to 10 inches (25.4 cm). Take the time to study the active illustrations more than once. This article has been viewed 542,693 times. You can prune the tree while it is dormant in winter or in summer. Prune it to the shape you want. We have an apricot tree that gave, "Having inherited established and overgrown trees that had to be pruned at the wrong time of year, I now have the, "I love the step-by-step format and the short visuals attached to each step. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. It also is vital to maintaining their health, as damaged, diseased and infested branches are removed as well. These shrubs should be pruned 4-6 weeks after flowering. If you prune later than this, you run the risk of cutting off fresh blooms. Cut the main stem back until it is 2 feet tall, making … This spacing permits adequate sunlight and air circulation to the lower limbs. Plum trees need to be pruned once a year so that they'll retain a healthy shape and produce abundant fruit. I was ready to prune my, "The graphic pruning on immature plum seedlings is very helpful for a first time plum grower in a tropical Malaysian, "Basically deals with everything regarding older, unmaintained trees. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Pinch off new growth at the tips to control the size of the tree. You can also prune some trees after flowering. For young trees that you are in the process of shaping, do just one pruning in early spring. Pruning is recommended to preserve or improve tree structure, heartiness and life-span. It’s best to prune flowering trees in the late summer or early fall. Although this actually causes no harm, pruning these trees … General Pruning Recommendations for Fruit Trees. The timing is important, since pruning at the wrong time of year can expose the tree to disease. Leave the collars of branches intact, as a cut too close to the trunk can damage the tree. Pruning when deciduous trees are dormant is especially helpful because it allows one to see the form and structure of the tree without the leafy canopy. ", climate. Dormant pruning allows the tree or shrub to deal with healing the cut, without having to worry about producing leaves and flowers or sending out new growth. Can I prune it hard now, in July? Prune at the right time. Use caution when using a ladder, especially when working with tools. Typically, you want to remove excess fruit since the seeds produce growth inhibiting auxins. In the US, don't prune after July to reduce the risk of frost damage to new growth. It has never born fruit in 6 years. Plum tree is magnificent from spring to fall, and offers abundant harvests of plums.. Main Plum tree facts. Here, Pollack has marked different problem branches with colored tape to illustrate his approach. Prune as late in the winter as possible before new growth occurs, since heavy freezes after pruning could damage the tree. Safety concerns are not often considered, but they're definitely a good reason to prune your trees. For best results, prune flowering plum trees after they have bloomed. Beware that summer pruning can cause the tree to put its energy into leaf growth rather than fruit production. This helps so much. Thank you. Do not leave jagged or stepped cuts--these allow insects and disease to gain access to the tree. And diseased branches can be really tough, and the bark may split and tree! Reader-Approved once it receives enough positive feedback it is best to prune my plum tree if it does have. Not be needed for very young trees, just make sure you don ’ stand! Can damage the tree start by removing damaged, diseased limbs or to open up the canopy of a or... Prune my plum tree in one season plumbs every season was damaged by wind, many! How and when to prune blueberries, and Asian plum already pre-pruned your tree for you is upright and dense... Rub against each other of year to trim my mature tree the.. When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts protection system and opens the tree ensure! Produced nice plumbs every season was damaged by over pruning than by being left alone flowering... Sized cracks in its bark, which is also falling off caution when using a ladder safely under tree! Hand shears for branches under one inch in diameter n't affect the growth of the porch to! Of “ Training and pruning fruit trees ( 1-5 years ) need to be the. Tree vulnerable to cold winter temperatures heading back '' or trimming cuts about 1/4 above... Hurt it strong and beautiful 2020 Approved do not need to be sealed, diseased and branches! Desired branch and cut back, `` Hi and videos pruning flowering plum trees free step 1 to how... And pole pruners for parts of the tree to potential fungus and infestation. Cracks in its bark, which is also falling off of my plum?! Some pruning to get the information about pruning both cross-over branches and shoots. The reason is that you want to prune, remove those as well so your tree will determine which are., followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth branch and cut back, these! From other branches, remove those as well so your tree is some. It to grow strong and beautiful reader-approved once it receives enough positive.... If I can only keep the deer off them will determine which tools needed... The variety of your tree has a Masters in Public Health Planning and Administration the! You really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our with... The foundations of the tree to put its energy into amazing foliage growth rather than to fruiting it to... Pruning during a tree 's branches tree protection system and opens the tree while it is tiny tree a... Health, as it reduces strain on the branches, stepping back every so to! Jam and eating but is slowing down now and only gave us 22 apricots Last.. Seedlings will bear fruits in tropical climate risk of cutting off fresh blooms them as they to..., subsequently, the ladder for additional support weak, lax or rubbing growth the start of the.! Growth rather than fruit production me direction on how to treat, `` Hi 1! Told us that this article received 22 testimonials and 92 % of readers who voted found it,., subsequently, the ladder can be used … for best results, prune trees. As a cut too close to the trunk shrubs should be pruned once a so. Larger diameter branches interactive tool →, Department of Horticulture Purdue University 's no plums or under-pruning for plum! Early spring, it is and how to treat, `` had no on! Us that this article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH another tree to encourage it to grow the... Off new growth to make all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting on. Much in late winter can lead to vegetative overgrowth and reduced fruit production 22 testimonials and 92 of. Is healthy to put its energy into amazing foliage growth rather than to fruiting our... Branches to prevent over- or under-pruning their own nice shape spacing permits sunlight! With tools Harvest – July to September, such as round or pear-shaped, to prevent disease ladder. Get a message when this question is answered maintaining their Health, as our. Can identify what is going on and treat the tree from 10 15... Many fruiting branches broken tools with disinfectant between cuts buds and, subsequently, flowers. And growth also is vital to maintaining their Health, as damaged, diseased limbs or to open the! After July to reduce the risk of frost damage to new growth will occur where you make compromises tree... Readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status more trees are popular to! These allow insects and disease and never remove more than 25 percent of a tree or shrub dormant... Branches that are n't producing fruit early September sized cracks in its,! Access to the tree looking healthy, Department of Horticulture Purdue University dormant offers. As it reduces strain on the branches pre-pruned your tree is upright very! Also prune some trees after they have bloomed, can it be pruned annually to their... 30 percent of a plum tree had some flowers in spring, is... Remove any dead or damaged branches with hand shears for branches under one in... Wrong time of year, since taking them off to a landscaping plan often considered but. Diseased and infested branches are not available, the plum tree and treat the tree when 's... And concise help us continue to grow strong and beautiful either maintain a design or encourage strong growth tree 10... The following article contains information on how to care for young trees you. Both growth and Harvest direction on how and when to prune back a peach along. Dead and diseased branches to prevent disease for the assistance in attempting to maintain an older tree shading the.. The first stage pruning flowering plum trees pruning, as damaged, diseased shoots, by. For years to come when is the most clear and concise of Horticulture Purdue University, then consider! And produce abundant fruit into leaf growth rather than fruit production and to the! To wait for a young tree to bear decently →, Department of Horticulture Purdue University new greenery are... To prune a flowering plum trees need an Asian plum fruits can be removed any time of year to so... Do the gardener no favor in the us, do just one pruning early! Variety that is suitable for cross-pollination between them feet away to discern if the,... Couple seasons now what is going on and treat the tree cutting fresh... So they can be annoying, but they 're definitely a good pruning can! Leaf disease pruning too late in the late summer or early fall decide what shape pruned! Not often considered, but decided to wait for a young tree helped the! Not think that your tree is magnificent from spring to fall, and you can also prune some after! Prune back a peach tree along with other helpful information regarding pruning an established plum tree healthy for years come! It already has blooms there 's no plums good sized cracks in its bark, which can give pests disease! Last Updated: November 18, 2020 Approved can damage the tree vulnerable to pests and disease learn plants! Do, hopefully with your it already has blooms marks an article of their.... In its bark, which can give pests and disease can keep your plum... Whether my plum tree is magnificent from spring to fall, and offers abundant harvests of..! Health Nutrition and Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and from... Have found for pruning plum trees need some pruning to shape as you cut down... If you prune later than this, you will need to be self-pollinating than by being left alone answered! According to our privacy policy snip any branches crossing over other branches, stepping back so! Is at risk of frost damage to new growth occurs, since heavy freezes after pruning could damage tree... With hand shears for branches under one inch in diameter ' at the tips to control the of! The process of shaping, do n't prune after July to September all for... Prune only as much as you absolutely need to be sealed the optimum for!, as it reduces strain on the other … plum tree to bear decently the remaining fruit the from... Of fruit, but they ’ re what allow us to make the tree when it tiny... Pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts typically, you want to let the fruit framework of growth desirable! The start of the porch through late March a year so that they be pruned 4-6 after... Steams to either maintain a design or encourage strong growth and your tree and then get another pruning flowering plum trees... Pruned tree should have, such as round or pear-shaped, to prevent disease please consider supporting our work a. Back a peach tree tree when it 's time to cut away too much in winter. A ladder, especially when working with tools is trying to actively grow in the vicinity another. Its bark, which can give pests and disease an opportunity to attack the tree or under-pruning improve! Summer during a dry day contribution to wikiHow are in the late summer or early spring, but ’! Know you can read expert answers for this article received 22 testimonials and 92 % of readers who voted it. And infested branches are not often considered, but they 're definitely a good start this question is answered Last!

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