Why is Pruning Flowering Plum Trees Important?
Pruning is a crucial part of caring for flowering plum trees. Not only does it encourage new growth and maximum blooms, but it also helps maintain the overall health and structure of the tree.
When plum trees are not pruned properly, they can become overgrown and lose their attractive shape. Air circulation is reduced, making the tree more prone to diseases. Flowers and fruits are not able to receive enough sunlight either. By pruning plum trees correctly, homeowners can control their size and spread, improve internal air flow, and maximize flowering and fruit production.
When to Prune Flowering Plum Trees
The best time to prune flowering Plum Trees is late winter or early spring, before the buds break dormancy. This allows the pruned branches sufficient time to heal before the growing season begins.
Pruning can also be done in early summer after the initial bloom period. However, it’s important to avoid pruning plum trees in late spring when they are flowering or in fall, as this can disrupt the trees hormonal processes.
Summer pruning is generally limited to light thinning and shaping. More heavy pruning is best left for late winter/early spring for improved healing and growth. The exact timing may vary depending on geographic location and climate.
Late Winter/Early Spring Pruning
Coming into late winter or early spring, plum trees should be pruned while still dormant. Examine the tree structure and perform any necessary pruning between late February and early April, before buds begin to swell. This allows plenty of time for wound healing before new growth in spring.
Summer Pruning
For established trees that have already bloomed, light summer pruning can be done to refine the shape. Prune no more than 1/4 of total growth between mid-June and early August. This gives time to heal without impacting next year’s bloom. Avoid late summer pruning, which may delay dormancy.
Tools Needed for Pruning a Flowering Plum Trees
The basic tool kit for pruning plum trees includes pruners, loppers, a pruning saw, gloves, and safety equipment.
Pruning shears/secateurs: used for branches up to 1/2 inch in diameter. Clean cuts are easier.
Pruning saw: necessary for branches over 1/2 inch thick that shears cannot cut. A folding pruning saw is compact and easily stored.
Loppers: Provide leverage and strength to cut branches up to 11⁄2 inches thick. An essential tool for plum tree pruning.
Garden gloves: Protect hands from scratches, sap, and thorns while pruning.
Safety equipment: Use eye protection, sturdy shoes, and pruning gear as plum trees prune at height. Ladders may be needed for larger trees.
So in summary, pruners, loppers, saws, gloves, and safety gear cover the basic pruning needs for flowering plum trees. Sharp, high-quality tools make the job easier and result in cleaner cuts.
Identifying the Different Types of Plum Tree Branches
Being able to distinguish various branch types is important for successful pruning.
Leaf buds vs. flower buds: leaf buds are smaller and pointed. Flower buds are plump and rounded, appearing in late winter.
Last year’s growth vs. current year’s growth: newer stems are greenish-brown, while old wood is gray and rougher.
Scaffold branches vs. smaller branches: Scaffold branches form the basic structure. Thinner branches give foliage and flowers.
Temporary branches: Also called “water sprouts,” these grow vertically and should be removed.
With practice, it gets easier to identify branching types on plum trees. This knowledge guides strategic pruning choices.
Leaf Buds
Leaf buds, as the name suggests, will produce leaves rather than flowers. They appear pointed and smaller than flower buds. Leaf buds should not be removed during pruning.
Flower Buds
Located on mature wood, plump, rounded flower buds will bloom in spring. These should be preserved during pruning to encourage maximum flowering. Examine flower buds closely in late winter.
Handling the Pruning Cuts on Flowering Plum Trees
Making clean, proper cuts is essential for pruning plum trees. This encourages fast healing and reduces the risk of disease or insect problems.
Prune to an outward facing bud. This directs new growth away from the tree interior and opens up its structure.
Cut just above a bud. This allows the bud to easily develop into new growth. Crowding can be avoided.
Remove all dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Take branches back to the collar or junction with another branch.
Use sharp, disinfected tools. Dull blades crush rather than cut cleanly. Disinfect between trees to avoid the spread of disease.
By learning these basic cutting techniques, homeowners can properly prune flowering plum trees with skill and care for the overall health of the tree.
Specific Pruning Techniques for Flowering Plum Trees
Different cut types are used to achieve varied pruning objectives for plum trees. Knowing the right technique helps maximize results.
Thinning Cuts
Thinning opens interior areas by selectively removing some branches at their point of origin. This improves light penetration and air flow throughout the tree. No more than 1/3 of the foliage should be removed during thinning.
Heading Cuts
Heading back long branches by 1/3 controls height and spreads new growth. Make cuts just above an outward-facing bud or side branch. Heading stimulates denser blooming along with shaping.
Raising the Crown
Removing the bottom branches from a tree raises its crown to show off spring blooms. Cut branches back to the lowest set of sturdy side branches that can support the tree’s crown. This also improves air circulation.
Keep cuts flush and make removal of branches as smooth as possible. Healing pruning wounds enhance a plum tree’s structural integrity and appearance for many years.
Thinning Young Trees
Newly planted plum trees need different pruning than mature specimens. Thinning opens the center by removing upward-growing branches to establish a strong, sturdy framework. No more than 1/4 of total growth should be removed when thinning young trees.
By understanding these basic cutting techniques, pruning flowering plum trees becomes an easy task that boosts blooms while maintaining attractive shapes.
Aftercare of Pruned Flowering Plum Trees
Following some aftercare steps ensures pruned plum trees heal properly.
Apply pruning sealant. Use an organic wound dressing on cuts larger than 1/2 inch. This protects from infection and seals the wound.
Water deeply if dry weather. New growth needs hydration. Water heavily at the tree base once a week if dry.
Mulch around the base: A 2-3 inch deep mulch maintains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Organic mulches like wood chips are preferable.
Fertilize in late winter. A balanced, semi-hardwood tree fertilizer aids recovery and encourages flowering buds for spring.
Monitor new growth: Check pruning sites and young growth throughout the summer. Remove any watersprouts or branches growing back irregularly.
Stake large cuts if needed. Provide support to stems with heavier pruning until new growth toughens. Use soft ties to avoid damage.
With the right aftercare, pruned plum trees can focus energies on healing and regrowth. Homeowners who follow these simple steps will be rewarded with healthy, thriving plum trees.
Common Pests and Diseases of Flowering Plum Trees
Like other plants, plum trees may sometimes face pest or disease issues that require treatment or prevention. Understanding the most common helps monitor tree health proactively.
Aphids suck sap and spread viruses. Wash off with strong water spray or use insecticidal soap.
Plum curculio is a beetle whose larvae damage fruit. Control with pheromone traps or cover developing plums in netting.
Powdery mildew leaves a white powdery coating, which reduces photosynthesis. Prune for improved airflow and use fungicide sprays.
Black knot fungus causes unsightly swollen growths on branches. Remove and destroy all infected branches well below knots immediately.
Staying informed and taking measures listed above helps maintain a beautiful, productive plum tree landscape for many seasons of blooms.
FAQs About Flowering Plum Tree Pruning
How much can I prune in one year?
No more than 25% of the entire tree should be pruned in one season. Major pruning can stress trees; thin and shape gradually over several years.
How do I deal with overgrown branches?
For branches more than 2 inches thick, make three cuts: one from below to 1/3 into the branch, a second further out facing away, and remove. This prevents tearing.
When will it flower after pruning?
Established trees may still flower lightly the year they’re pruned. Younger trees may take 1-2 years to bloom well after heavy winter/spring pruning to focus on structure.
Maintaining the shape and size of mature trees
Prune selectively each year to maintain size and natural shape. Thin interior crossing branches and remove some oldest wood to interior to allow sun and air penetration, encouraging fresh growth.
What about flowering shrubs grown for their blooms?
Prune spring flowering shrubs immediately after blooming to maintain and encourage more flowers. Summer blooming shrubs can be pruned in late winter like trees.
In conclusion
Practicing strategic pruning techniques is invaluable for flowering plum trees health and longevity. By taking the time to properly identify branch types and make clean cuts to shape and thin plum trees when dormant, homeowners can encourage maximum blooms for many years to come while maintaining an attractive landscape.
Following up with best aftercare like mulching and monitoring for pests will support new growth. An ongoing pruning regimen that addresses specific objectives each season allows both mature specimens and younger specimens to reach their ideal form with minimal stress.
Armed with the right tools and knowledge shared here of what, when, and how to prune flowering plum trees, any home gardener can now tend to these beautiful bloomers with confidence.