Plum Tree Pruning Learn About How And When To Prune A Plum Tree

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. Plums are pruned in early spring or mid-summer to avoid infection by silver leaf disease.

1. When should you prune plum trees UK?
2. How do you prune a mature plum tree?
3. How should I prune my plum tree?
4. What month do you prune trees?
5. What is the best time to prune plum trees?
6. What is the best fertilizer for plum trees?
7. How tall should a plum tree be?
8. Can you top a plum tree?
9. Can I prune plum tree in summer?

When should you prune plum trees UK?

Plum trees differ from most other fruit trees because they should only be pruned when they are in full growth. In the UK, the best time to prune your plum tree is in mid June 2017, never in winter when they are dormant.

How do you prune a mature plum tree?

Complete all summer pruning by mid- to late-July to prevent frost damage to the tree. Start by cutting off dead or diseased branches. If a particular branch doesn't have any fruit growing on it, cut that branch off so the tree won't waste energy on it. Prune it back to the trunk rather than back to a bud.

How should I prune my plum tree?

1. Use secateurs to cut back this season's growth of the main shoots or 'leaders' to half their length. Prune to just above a leaf. ...
2. Prune or pinch side shoots back to two or three buds from the base of the current season's soft growth. How to prune a plum tree – pruning side shoots.

What month do you prune trees?

Anytime between late fall and early spring is best for tree trimming or pruning. Talk to your local arborist about pruning before spring blooms emerge. Typically a tree's pruning cycle is 3 to 5 years, but type, size and health play a role in the cycle that will work best for your tree.

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.

What is the best fertilizer for plum trees?

For newly planted plums, fertilize in the early spring by broadcasting one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer over an area that is roughly three feet across. In mid-May and mid-July, apply a ½ cup of calcium nitrate or ammonium nitrate evenly over an area about two feet in diameter.

How tall should a plum tree be?

Most plum trees will reach 16 feet (5 m.) at maturity or 14 feet (4 m.) if they are a dwarf variety. If you live in a more northerly climate, you may consider planting your plum tree in a location where it will have protection from cold winds, as they are prone to late frost damage.

Can you top a plum tree?

A mature tree that hasn't been pruned needs help to become a good fruit producer, but whacking off the top is not the optimal solution. If pruning old plum trees this way doesn't kill them, it will assuredly produce unattractive and unproductive new growth.

Can I prune plum tree in summer?

If your plum tree is getting too big for your yard, you can prune in the summer to slow down its growth. Whereas dormant pruning encourages vibrant spring growth, summer pruning cuts away the tree's energy and limits growth for the season. If you prune in the summer, be careful not to cut away too much of the tree.