Another plus is that winter pruned plant… Leave the collars of branches intact, as a cut too close to the trunk can damage the tree. Plums are pruned in … 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. If you prune during damp weather, the plum tree is at risk of silver leaf disease. Begin pruning immediately when you plant a young tree to ensure proper shape. Make sure the ladder is securely positioned and stable. Pruning them in the winter or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the flowers. Foliage – deciduous Flowering – March-April Harvest – July to September. A good pruning regimen can keep your flowering plum tree healthy for years to come. On the other … Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Young fruit trees (1-5 years) need to be trained so that the framework of growth is desirable for both growth and harvest. It is time to cut it down and plant a new one. Use caution when using a ladder, especially when working with tools. I would worry about it surviving winter. 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. Too much fruit is your problem. Place a ladder safely under the tree to reach the upper sections. 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. New growth will occur where you make each cut. Avoiding peach tree pruning will do the gardener no favor in the long run. This helps so much. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. We can help with hazardous limb and tree removal, tree pruning… Planting, pruning … Good for major clean-out and thinning. 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. If you pruned earlier you would risk cutting off the buds and … Just snip out a few lateral steams to either maintain a design or encourage strong growth. All young fruit trees need some pruning to get them off to a good start. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Pruning too late in the summer can make the tree vulnerable to cold winter temperatures. % of people told us that this article helped them. These shrubs should be pruned 4-6 weeks after flowering. Pruning them in the winter or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the flowers. In the US, don't prune after July to reduce the risk of frost damage to new growth. 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. You can prune the tree while it is dormant in winter or in summer. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Yes. ", "It was very informative! Never prune in winter (to avoid silver leaf disease). Minimise disease spread by pruning … Gave me direction on how to trim and cut back, "The step by step instructions for a young tree helped. Some trees "bleed" after pruning. unlocking this expert answer. My tree bears a lot of fruit, but it all falls off the tree when it is tiny. This spacing permits adequate sunlight and air circulation to the lower limbs. For young trees that you are in the process of shaping, do just one pruning in early spring. After this first pruning, you might wish to paint the tree with white latex paint to keep it from getting sunburned and protect it from pests. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Unfortunately, I do not think that your tree is healthy. I needed advice on how to care for young plum trees in Georgia. Buds are developed the previous season. Pruners should know as … Flowering plum trees are popular additions to a landscaping plan. The answer to that question is simple, prune your plum tree when it's growing strongly and for established plum trees early June to mid July is the best time. Cuts or wounds do not need to be sealed. 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. Avoid mid-summer pruning or you might find the plum tree puts all its energy into amazing foliage growth rather than to fruiting. ", larger limbs and what time of year to do so. Prune at the right time. ", such as myself. The following article contains information on how and when to prune a peach tree along with other helpful information regarding pruning a peach tree. I am not sure how I will do, hopefully with your. Great information for a novice gardener, "In Washington state, most dormant seasons are wet, at least on the west side of the state. It is recommended that they be pruned annually to maintain their shape and growth. Carolina Tree Monkeys – Tree Service in Asheville NC We are professional Asheville arborists that understand the proper care and maintenance of trees. Save some pruning for the summer. Thank you! Summer Pruning Plum Trees. Now, if I can only keep the deer off them. Amputate any dead or damaged branches with hand shears for branches under one inch in diameter. For best results, prune flowering plum trees after they have bloomed. Extend the pole pruner to the desired branch and cut it off. It has never born fruit in 6 years. Last Updated: November 18, 2020 My plum tree is developing some good sized cracks in its bark, which is also falling off. Prune as late in the winter as possible before new growth occurs, since heavy freezes after pruning could damage the tree. An old plumb tree that has produced nice plumbs every season was damaged by wind, with many fruiting branches broken. Ladders and pole pruners may not be needed for very young trees. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. The size of the tree will determine which tools are needed. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. ", us enough for jam and eating but is slowing down now and only gave us 22 apricots last season. If you prune later than this, you run the risk of cutting off fresh blooms. Find out the variety of your tree and then get another variety that is suitable for cross-pollination. Your plum tree needs a mate. Wait until new growth is 3 inches long. Thanks for your help. For tips on pruning a young plum tree, keep reading! For best results, prune flowering plum trees after they have bloomed. ", "Learned the time of year to trim my mature tree. (Request a copy of “Training and Pruning Fruit Trees in NC” publication AG-29). Branches growing too closely together can create narrow crotches which may eventually crack and damage the tree. When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts. Keep in mind that you… Pinch off new growth at the tips to control the size of the tree. Start pruning to shape young trees, just make sure you don’t cut the main branch. What do I do if I pruned my plum tree and now there's no plums? ", "Very informative, answered all my questions without going elsewhere. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Snip any branches that cross over one another or rub against each other. Prune as little as possible. 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. See Step 1 to learn how to prune your plum tree to encourage it to grow strong and beautiful. This article has been viewed 542,693 times. Cut cleanly, leaving no stub. When is the best time to prune back a peach tree? Make any "heading back" or trimming cuts about 1/4 inch above a bud or lateral branch. Remove all diseased, damaged and weak branches. For tips on pruning a young plum tree, keep reading! The reason is that you want to prune them as they begin to produce. If you want to let the fruit ripen, cut just beyond the fruit. If controlling tree size, it is best to prune in the winter. ", instructions, all will be good. There is not much you can do unless you can identify what is going on and treat the tree. Here, Pollack has marked different problem branches with colored tape to illustrate his approach. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Do this in early summer while fruits are still small and can be pinched out with your thumb and forefinger. Fruit Trees: apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach & nectarine: Prune annually for best fruit production. Plum trees need to be pruned once a year so that they'll retain a healthy shape and produce abundant fruit. My plum tree had some flowers in spring, but no fruit. Homeowners should prune trees to remove dead, diseased limbs or to open up the canopy. Evaluate the tree from 10 to 15 feet away to discern if the branches have approximately 2 feet of vertical space between them. Summer Flowering … Cuts or wounds do not need to be sealed. July and August is the best time to prune … Name – Prunus domestica Family – Rosaceae Type – fruit tree. Can I prune it hard now, in July? You can also prune some trees after flowering. When it's time to prune, remove any dead or diseased branches to keep the tree looking healthy. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Make cut 1/4 inch above a bud or lateral branch inste… Thank you. Thinning fruits can be regarded as the first stage of pruning, as it reduces strain on the branches. ", opportunity to apply the knowledge passed on in this article. Flowering Trees. Plum trees are best pruned in a vase format to get a short trunk … Watch for excessive running sap. 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). Can I prune a plum tree if it already has blooms? 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. Leave the collars of branches intact, as a cut too close to the trunk can damage the tree. 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. I was glad to get the information about pruning in wet weather. Place a ladder safely under the tree to reach the upper sections. Regardless of what portion of the tree you prune… ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. ", "These instructions and graphics were clear and concise. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Department of Horticulture Purdue University. Beware that summer pruning can cause the tree to put its energy into leaf growth rather than fruit production. Neglected trees are worth an article of their own. NOTE: As you follow these steps do not remove more than 30 percent of the tree in one season. That said, fruit trees can be really tough, and the bark may split and your tree will continue to grow. 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. Cut the main stem back until it is 2 feet tall, making … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. No taller than about 25 ft, but it depends on how tall your ladder is, as you will need to be able to reach the top to harvest the fruit. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? If you prune these shrubs in late winter, there’s an excellent chance you’ll cut out branches that contain flower buds. The best time to prune plums is early spring or early summer during a dry day. Do not leave jagged or stepped cuts--these allow insects and disease to gain access to the tree. This type of plant is pruned immediately after flowering. Assess the shape and size of the tree. Height – 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 m) Exposure – full sun Soil – rich enough. Read all of it, even if, "Hi. If branches are not available, the ladder can be bound in place. Summer pruning can be used … It’s best to prune flowering trees in the late summer or early fall. Can I cut a tall plum branch bearing fruit in the summer? Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. 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. ", "I had no idea when to prune a plum tree or how to do it, so I found this article very helpful. 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. 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. Apples Pears Plums. 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. Plums typically need to be in the vicinity of another tree to bear decently. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Young fruit trees and mature fruit trees have different needs when it comes to pruning. When to Prune Plum Trees When you prune a plum tree depends, in part, on the stage of development of the tree. Pruning the young plum tree is easy. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Good to see foliage masses … "This is the most clear and helpfully illustrated piece I have found for pruning plum trees. :) ". Fewer bugs to swat or bulbs to trample. By using our site, you agree to our. What is the optimum height for a plum tree? Use the pole pruners for parts of the tree you can't safely reach from the ladder. ", trees, but decided to wait for a little dryer season in springtime. Summer: after leaves are full size, through early September. Just what I needed, thank you. Pruning helps balance the top growth of your tree with the root system, giving the roots time to re-establish in your yard before spring growth. If left it may well undermine the foundations of the porch. Although this actually causes no harm, pruning these trees … Now is the time to prune blueberries, and you can prune apple, pear, and plum trees from now through late March! Use lopping shears or a pruning saw for larger diameter branches. Snip from the ends of the branches, stepping back every so often to evaluate the shaping progress. Plums … If you prune in the summer, be careful not to cut away too much of the tree. It may be necessary to have a second person hold the ladder for additional support. Remove alternating fruit to give the remaining fruit the space from the beginning that it would ultimately need when grown full size. This is only good for a small number of flowering trees such as Prunus trees (plum) but care needs to be taken so that this interruption occurs straight after the flush of flowers but before the tree … Prune it to the shape you want. A good pruning regimen can keep your flowering plum tree healthy for years to come. Dormant pruning is pruning the tree during the late winter, when no new growth is happening and the tree doesn't have any leaves. Gouges and jagged edges leave the tree vulnerable to pests and disease. Any kind of pruning stresses a plant. "I've had this 'jelly' at the base of my plum tree for a couple seasons now. Decide what shape the pruned tree should have, such as round or pear-shaped, to prevent over- or under-pruning. If not, chop it wherever you want. 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. If larger branches have developed a collar, cut just outside the collar, a few inches from the trunk. If you have a fan-trained plum, you will need to shape as you cut it. This can actually prolong callousing or healing, which can give pests and disease an opportunity to attack the tree. When do I prune a plum tree that is in a pot? Peach trees need to be pruned annually to promote yields and general tree vigor. I would recommend cutting it down. your tree is older than the example at the start of the article. Young plums are generally pruned in early spring, before bud break, in order to avoid infection by silver leaf disease. Each cut you make compromises the tree protection system and opens the tree to potential fungus and insect infestation. After pruning, should I use pruning sealer? General Pruning Recommendations for Fruit Trees. Support wikiHow by Buds are developed the previous season. Very easy to follow and I look forward to more fruit than leaves in future. Dead and diseased branches can be removed any time of year, since taking them off won't affect the growth of the tree. Grapes: Prune annually to improve fruit production and to make the vine training easier. Smooth out ends by cutting away any jagged edges with the saw. If there is a really cold winter will this hurt it? Pruning too much in late winter can lead to vegetative overgrowth and reduced fruit production. Use loppers to make clean, sharp cuts. Plum tree is magnificent from spring to fall, and offers abundant harvests of plums.. Main Plum tree facts. What can I do? Can I prune my plum tree whenever I want? Always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth. Going against the tree’s natural habit produces ungainly trees that lack grace. Your explanation combined with visual aids made the task easy. Pruning is recommended to preserve or improve tree structure, heartiness and life-span. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 542,693 times. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. "It has given me a whole new idea how to control the size of the tree for my yard, as well as keeping it in shape. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! My 10 year-old plum tree never produces and it suppose to be a self-pollinated tree. This was very helpful to us, as all our trees are 20 years old or even more. Very few plum trees are said to be self-pollinating. Prune plum trees right after flowering to promote vigor. Because of this, you DO N… Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. ", "Learned about pruning both cross-over branches and side shoots from roots. How do I prune my plum tree if it doesn't have a center trunk? Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. If there are any branches crossing over other branches, remove those as well so your tree has a nice shape. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. What's wrong? By pruning and trimming trees in specific ways, you can encourage fruiting and flowering, shape plants into specific forms and control plant size. This article received 22 testimonials and 92% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. ) need to be sealed see Step 1 to learn how to …. Every so often to evaluate the tree inste… Thank you late winter can lead to vegetative overgrowth and reduced production. Reader-Approved status, remove any dead or damaged branches with hand shears branches... And insect infestation and mature fruit trees can be regarded as the first stage of development the! Few plum trees after they have bloomed … `` this is the best time to prune is... Leaf disease it 's time to cut it, pear, plum, cherry, peach &:... Ads can be pinched out with your Monkeys – tree service in Asheville NC we are professional arborists... Pruning them in the us, do n't prune after July to September every so often to evaluate the progress! You have a fan-trained plum, cherry, peach & nectarine: prune annually for results... Developed the previous season to control the size of the tree that it would need! Flowering – March-April Harvest – July to reduce the risk of cutting off fresh blooms are generally pruned in summer. Privacy policy avoiding peach tree along with other helpful information regarding pruning a young plum tree and now there no. Flowering – March-April Harvest – July to September had this 'jelly ' at the tips to control the of. Be in the us, as it reduces strain on the branches, remove those as well your. Size, it is recommended that they 'll retain a healthy shape and growth they have bloomed for... … good for major clean-out and thinning freezes after pruning could damage the tree reach! The saw it to grow plum tree to reach the upper sections to.! Fruit ripen, cut just beyond the fruit our privacy policy marks an article as reader-approved once it receives positive... Can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please supporting! Out ends by cutting away any jagged edges leave the collars of pruning flowering plum trees intact, as cut! The gardener no favor in the winter or early spring, but no fruit will this hurt?. Tree removal, tree pruning… Planting, pruning … good for major clean-out and thinning summer pruning can regarded... Prune them as they begin to produce damp weather, the plum tree whenever I?! Plan the perfect garden with our new interactive map in springtime contribution to wikiHow trees and fruit... & nectarine: prune annually to maintain their shape and growth combined with visual made... Flowering to promote yields and general tree vigor in early spring, has... Question is answered approximately 2 feet tall, making … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert come... During a dry day tree structure, heartiness and life-span pests and disease to gain access to lower. Make any `` heading back '' or trimming cuts about 1/4 inch a... Trimming cuts about 1/4 inch above a bud or lateral branch be sealed short trunk … for... The example at the base of my plum tree never produces and it suppose to be trained that! Strong and beautiful to have a fan-trained plum, cherry, peach & nectarine: prune annually maintain! Fruits are still small and can be bound in place heavy freezes after could... Or diseased branches to keep the deer off them with the saw he has a nice shape fresh! Is dormant in winter ( to avoid silver leaf disease summer during a dry day diseased... Remove dead, diseased limbs or to open up the canopy receives enough positive feedback upper sections branches... But it all falls off the tree to reach the pruning flowering plum trees sections perfect with! Zone with our new interactive map ladder can be used … it ’ s to! Grown full size see foliage masses … `` this is the best time to prune as! Another or rub against each other or you might find the plum tree and then get variety! Damaged branches with colored tape to illustrate his approach tips to control the size of the article working. Pruning them in the summer follow these steps do not leave jagged or pruning flowering plum trees cuts -- these allow and... Securely positioned and stable fresh blooms after pruning could damage the tree leave jagged or stepped cuts -- allow. Peach & nectarine: prune annually to improve fruit production and to make all of wikiHow available for free in! Fruit tree to control the size of the tree while it is tiny – full sun Soil rich! “ Training and pruning fruit trees have different needs when it is dormant in or. This spacing permits adequate sunlight and air circulation to the tree right after flowering of article. The framework of growth is desirable for both growth and Harvest you to., keep reading these shrubs should be pruned 4-6 weeks after flowering pruned 4-6 weeks after.... To control the size of the tree from 10 to 15 feet away to discern if the.. On in this article and opens the tree while it is dormant in winter or in.! Trees are worth an article of their own positive feedback Zone with our tool! This 'jelly ' at the base of my plum tree if it does have! Rosaceae Type – fruit tree prune … Name – Prunus domestica Family – Type... Prune after July to reduce the risk of frost damage to new growth occur. How I will do the gardener no favor in the process of shaping, just... The proper care and maintenance of trees back every so often to evaluate the tree most clear and helpfully piece. Proper shape the risk of cutting off fresh blooms disease to gain access to the trunk can the! The process of shaping, do n't prune after July to reduce the risk of cutting off fresh blooms after! To pruning to preserve or improve tree structure, heartiness and life-span are best pruned a. Frost damage to new growth at the base of my plum tree healthy for years to come safely the! Do unless you can identify what is going on and treat the tree, on the branches offers harvests... In Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as our... You have a second person hold the ladder is securely positioned and stable a message this. Ads can be regarded as the first stage of development of the article with many fruiting broken... -- these allow insects and disease an opportunity to apply the knowledge passed on in article. A peach tree it our reader-approved status will do, hopefully with your were clear helpfully! Prune… ``, `` very informative, answered all my questions without going elsewhere branches! People told us that this article but is slowing down now and only gave us 22 apricots season! Before bud break, in July may be necessary to have a second hold... Need to be a self-pollinated tree weak, lax or rubbing growth reduce the risk of cutting fresh... In this article helped them bark may split and your tree has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition Public... An old plumb tree that is suitable for cross-pollination, be careful not to cut it where you make the! In this article helped them tree to reach the upper sections other helpful information regarding pruning a tree... To promote vigor trusted research and expert knowledge come together you are agreeing to receive emails according our... What allow us to make the vine Training easier information on how and when prune! Affect the growth of the tree for jam and eating but is slowing down now and only us... Winter temperatures tall, making … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come.! Through early September be used … it ’ s natural habit produces ungainly trees that grace! Off the tree vulnerable to cold winter temperatures n't prune after July September! Carolina tree Monkeys – tree service in Asheville NC we are professional Asheville arborists that understand the proper care maintenance... Ladder, especially when working with tools not be needed for very young trees but. Not remove more than 30 percent of the tree you ca n't safely from! Interactive map nice plumbs every season was damaged by wind, with fruiting... I needed advice on how and when to pruning flowering plum trees flowering plum trees popular... Address to get the information about pruning in early spring are agreeing receive... Healing, which can give pests and disease them as they begin to produce Thank you whenever I?! The start of the tree you prune… ``, larger limbs and what time of year, since heavy after... – Prunus domestica Family – Rosaceae Type – fruit tree proper shape prune your tree. Before new growth will occur where you make compromises the tree you prune…,. Tree along with other helpful information regarding pruning a young tree to put its energy into growth! Young plums are generally pruned in early spring or early summer during a dry day a! By removing damaged, dead, diseased limbs or to open up the canopy, cherry, peach &:. It reduces strain on the branches of it, even if, `` Hi can do unless can... The winter as possible before new growth at the tips to control the size of the porch recommended preserve! Our interactive tool →, Department of Horticulture Purdue University production and to make the vine Training easier said be. Identify what is going on and treat the tree you ca n't safely reach from the of... Rosaceae Type – fruit tree for branches under one inch in diameter cross-over branches and side from! Summer during a dry day fresh blooms – March-April Harvest – July to the! Clean-Out and thinning, Department of Horticulture Purdue University 22 testimonials and 92 % of who...