2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Novice gardeners often don't know how to shape the crown of a plum tree. Pruning should be done regularly to obtain bountiful harvests. Read on for details on the timing and rules of this important event
Why do you need pruning
Crown formation increases fruiting. Extra branches deplete the trunk, in winter there is a risk of freezing. Throughout life, you need to monitor the condition of the tree and regularly prune.
The first "operation" takes place when planting a seedling. Then the formation is carried out annually, until the age of 15. In subsequent years, sanitary adjustments are carried out: unproductive, diseased, dry branches growing in the wrong direction are removed. Young shoots are left for replacement. With this care, the plum, regardless of age, will delight you with the harvest.
When planting a seedling, to stimulate the development of growths, the central conductor is cut off. Its length is shortened by about a third. Side branches by two thirds.
Spring pruning
With the beginning of thaws and the end of severe frosts, we proceed to pruning. Focus on the time of the end of severe frosts. In temperate latitudes, this is the end of March-April. If you live in regions with a warm climate - February-March. The period lasts until the kidneys awaken.
All damaged, frozen branches growing in the middle of the crown are cut into a ring. Last year's gains are shortened by a third. These are the most productive parts of the trunk, blooming buds will appear on them, which is important for increasing yields.
Within 5 years, a crown is formed that is optimal for a plum tree, sparse-tiered type. This is done according to the following scheme.
1. The first year you need to form the size of the trunk. The place of the first branch is determined on the seedling. For this, 50-60 cm are measured from the ground and shoots are removed on the standard site, it must be "naked". Above 60 cm, 7-8 buds / shoots (future skeletal branches) are counted and the crown is cut off.
2. The second year, the first tier is formed from the branches left above the trunk. For this, from the left branches, 2-4 pieces of the most successful are selected, growing at an angle of about 60 degrees. All the growth below the stem is cut out.
3. The third-fourth year - the second tier is laid. At a height of 20-30 cm from the upper branch of the first. Leave 1-2 quality shoots. If necessary, the third tier is formed in the same way, leaving 1-2 branches.
Some people like to grow cupped trees. This option is convenient for harvesting fruits. The form is based on 3-4 branches that grow with a smooth deviation from the trunk, within 60-90 degrees. The stem at the plum is shortened, i.e. the first main branch is located 40-50 cm from the ground. When forming, the main point is shortening the conductor, the top of the central branch is cut off.
During operations, work with a sharp pruner, he will not make wounds and lacerations. Cover sections larger than 0.5 cm with a garden pitch, with complete closure of the adjacent bark.
Summer pruning plum
Summer pruning is not cardinal, but is sanitary. Held in June-July. The main purpose of summer pruning is to correct spring shaping. We remove the twigs that we missed in the spring, did not notice that they suffered from frost. In the summer they are clearly visible and we can safely remove them.
In summer, the wrong shoots, branches growing vertically are stopped. The shoots are cut, directed inside the crown, underdeveloped, with signs of disease. The places of the cuts are obtained with a small diameter, they will quickly dry out / heal, so we do not use garden varieties.
Pruning plums in autumn
From mid-September to the end of leaf fall (October), pruning is carried out. With the onset of frost, the operation is not done, since the tree will not be able to prepare for winter, and there is a high probability of freezing. In the southern regions, formation activities can be carried out in the fall.
In the fall, fast-growing and long shoots are cut by a third. The crown is shortened if necessary. Uneven growing, low-quality annual shoots, broken branches are removed. Dry, diseased, soilless branches are clearly visible on an old tree in autumn.
All material cut in the fall is removed from the site or burned. This will prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Pruning old plums
The aged tree ceases to give growth, reduces fruit formation. Anti-aging pruning will solve the problem. The event takes place in the spring and consists of cutting off skeletal branches.
The operation is carried out in compliance with the saw cut rules. Thick branches require special attention, since when falling they can break off high-quality neighboring ones, break off a flap of bark. It is necessary to make the bottom cut of the bark, hold the branch to be removed. The place of the saw cut is carefully cleaned and closed with a pitch.
Shoots will appear at the cut site. For the next year, you need to choose from them the right growing and strong ones. 3-4 of these best shoots are left, the rest are cut off.
Do not remove many skeletal branches at once. Better to cut down one or two each spring. Rejuvenating pruning of plums usually stretches for 2-3 years. This eliminates stress, the tree tolerates your actions painlessly and soon begins to bear fruit with renewed vigor.
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