how to prune a damson tree

During the Summer, usually in late July, all of the new side branches should be shortened to about 8 inches, pruning to a downward pointing bud, the leader (main stem) should be left un-pruned. If the side shoots appear too close together, remove some completely to leave a well shaped tree.

When should damson trees be pruned?

Pruning during the winter increases the chance of the tree becoming infected with silver leaf fungus so, like all plums, damsons should only be pruned from late spring to early autumn (April to September).

How do you prune an overgrown damson 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 take care of a damson tree?

Water the tree deeply once every week during the first growing season. Thereafter, water deeply when the soil is dry, but never allow the ground to remain soggy or to become bone dry. An organic mulch, such as woodchips or straw, will conserve moisture and keep weeds in check.

What is the best time to 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.

Do damson trees fruit every year?

It flowers well and the tree looks fine each year; however, no fruit ever appears. Following the flowering, the tree looks a bit sad and the leaves curl in places but no sign of pests. My other plum trees in the garden (different types) do well for fruit each year.

Can you freeze Damsons straight from the tree?

Just freeze them as they come, I think they then almost last forever. I freeze them whole. When you defrost them the stones come out easily if you want to make crumbles etc and they break down quickly if you make jam, chutney etc.

How do you prune an overgrown plum tree?

Remove any dead or unhealthy wood the second year in the same manner as you did the first. Trim back long branches by one-third again, in the second year. Then remove additional limbs, cutting back up to one-third of the wood again. By this point, your overgrown plum tree should be cut back drastically.

How do you prune a prune tree?

Once your tree is established, it's important to prune only branches that have not produced fruit in that year. Remove all dead wood and dispose of it. Trim all side shoots to six leaves from their parent branch to encourage fruiting next year. Keep the central stem no more than 3 feet (91 cm.)

Can you Prune fruit trees in spring?

Fruit tree pruning can be done in winter, spring or early summer. This article explores how pruning at different times of the year can affect your fruit tree's health and productivity. You can prune those in the late winter to spur vigorous growth. ...

How do you know when damsons are ready to pick?

If you are making damson gin, you can pick them before they are properly ripe - that way the scrumpers won't get them. If it's any help (probably not) you are meant to pick sloes either on 1 october or after the first frost (whichever is sooner).

What do damson trees look like?

Description - what does it look like? A low-growing tree reaching 5-10m, with thin branches. The bark is dark coloured. Leaves are oval shaped, wrinkled and slightly downy underneath.

Are Damsons good for you?

Damson Plums

They're high in fiber, with 1/2 cup (82 grams) packing an impressive 6 grams of this nutrient (15). As a result, eating more prunes may increase stool frequency and soften your stools, making your bowel movements easier to pass (40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).

What month do you prune pear trees?

When to winter prune apples and pears. Pruning should be carried out when the tree is dormant, between leaf fall and bud burst (usually between November and early March).

What month is best to prune fruit trees?

There are many reasons for pruning fruit trees. The best time to prune fruit trees is late winter into early spring when it will least affect winter hardiness and tree health. Summer pruning in late July or August is another time when pruning can be performed, but severe pruning at this time will weaken the tree.

Can you hard prune a plum tree?

The majority of shoots growing into the centre of the tree are pruned away completely and those growing outwards are hard pruned to encourage more growth this and next year. ... In an ideal world your plum tree should end up with three or four main branches growing from the main trunk of the tree.

Can you eat Damsons straight from the tree?

It is technically possible to enjoy damsons straight off the tree, but only if you've found the right variety growing in a sunny spot so they're burstingly ripe – and that's a state that the local bird and wasp populations are unlikely to consent to.

Will Damsons ripen off the tree?

No, they are unripe, damsons should be sweet and taste like plums, leave them until they start to fall off the tree. Click to see full answer.

Are damson trees self pollinating?

Most Damsons are self fertile so can be grown alone and although the tree itself is hardy and reliable, the blossom comes very early so can still be prone to frost damage the same as plums and gages. The selection of varieties is quite small but serviceable and there are growing forms that answer most requirements.

How long can you keep Damsons in the freezer?

Puréed fruit may be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months. For example: apples, apricots, plums, strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, pears, blackcurrants, rhubarb, blackberries and damsons.

Can you cook Damsons from frozen?

I think one of the best things to do with damsons is to keep it simple and stew them with sugar. I tend to cook them straight from frozen, they just need a little bit longer in the oven. It's hard to beat them when they are served with custard. ... Serve warm with plenty of warm custard.

How do you store Damsons?

Wipe the damsons, discarding any that are squashy or bruised. Prick the fruit all over with a needle and put them into glass preserving jars, layering them with the sugar. Alternatively, freeze the fruit in a sealable plastic bag, then bash them with a heavy object until they are cracked.