Pruning plum trees in spring: basic rules for lovers

Plum - This is a delicious and healthy fruit. In order for a tree to bear good fruit, it is necessary to trim the branches regularly and in a timely manner. What is pruning of a plum tree in spring? How should it be done?

Content:

• Why trim?
• When should you prune a tree?
• How to prune a young tree?
• How to prune an old plum tree?
• How to treat wounds on a plum after pruning?

Why trim?

Those branches that grow benefit the tree. They improve nutrition and the appearance of new shoots. This is a natural process. But if you want to get a good harvest, collect high-quality and large fruits, then it is worth pruning the branches. After such manipulation, most of the nutrients will begin to flow to the fruits, and not go to the branches.

To constantly get a rich harvest, it is worth pruning the tree every year. If you do not prune the branches, the fruitfulness of the plum will decrease, and over time it will disappear altogether. Gardeners must control the growth of branches. In addition, you should not forget that the plum tree grows quickly. But what are the rules? trimmings?

When should you prune a tree?

Experienced gardeners know that pruning is necessary only in the spring. If this is done in the fall, then the cuts will heal slowly, and the tree may begin to hurt. In spring, it is easier for a tree to adapt after cutting off its branches.It is worth starting this procedure at a young age, when the plum tree has just been planted. After all, such a tree grows quickly, and the first fruits can be seen after 5 years.

It is recommended to wait for warm weather so that the weather is stable. The ideal time for this is the end of spring, when the first leaves appear on the tree and the frosts are already behind us. At night, temperatures should not fall below zero. In this case, pruning will not cause injury to the plum tree and will have a positive effect on its development.

Some experts do this procedure early, as soon as the snow has disappeared. After all, there is an opinion that in a state of hibernation a tree heals more easily. But it is worth doing pruning immediately after winter in those regions where there are no longer severe frosts at such a time.

How to prune a young tree?

For the first time, pruning is done to the seedling. Once the plum has been planted, it is worth pruning it. This will allow proper growth to be directed so that the tree does not waste energy on unnecessary branches. At a young age, the tree easily tolerates damage, so it heals quickly. This procedure should be done in the spring. But how to do this work correctly?

To do this, you should adhere to the following sequence:

1. The lower branch is shortened to the place where the good bud is located. All branches containing underdeveloped buds are removed.
2. All other branches are shortened to the point where the cut of the lower branch is located.
3. Worth it right trim conductor. It is shortened so that it is a quarter meter higher than the other branches. In this case, a pyramidal shape will be formed. To make a spreading tree, the conductor is cut a quarter of a meter below the branches.
4. If the shoots grow incorrectly, then they need to be pruned or sloping.

All manipulations are carried out until all branches are processed.

How to prune an old plum tree?

Don't forget about caring for old plums. It is also pruned in the spring so that it bears fruit for as long as possible. After circumcision, fruiting increases for a couple of years. In addition, this procedure will affect the quality of the fruits, as they will grow large and tasty. But how to carry out this manipulation?

Correct pruning of a plum in the video:

It is necessary to trim those branches that create friction against the bark of other shoots. Thus, they damage them and put pressure on them. This prevents nutrients from moving through the tree. It is necessary to remove those branches that grow inside the crown that has formed. Those shoots that have already dried out must also be removed. It is also worth pruning those branches that are sick or broken.

In addition to the fact that some shoots are completely removed, it is also necessary to shorten them. It is worth shortening the branches depending on the growth over the year. For example, if it is large enough, more than 70 cm, then it is necessary to cut off a third part escape.

Over time, the plum tree ages, so its growth slows down. In this case, it is worth carrying out a special procedure - rejuvenation. The first such manipulation involves removing branches that have grown 4 years before the plum aging. In this case, the circumcision scheme does not change. You should not do rejuvenation often. It is allowed to be repeated after 4 years.

Pruning an old plum tree aims to remove old wood. The main thing to remember is that such a tree is not able to recover from injury in a short time and put out new branches.Those places where there were cuts should be leveled, cleaned and processed. This will prevent the death of the plant.

How to treat wounds on a plum after pruning?

Plum is an interesting tree that has its own characteristics. It can dry out quickly. Often gardeners are faced with the fact that a tree suffers from white rot. This often happens if the plum tree has been damaged by frost. This tree easily tolerates the pruning procedure, after which it begins to grow in a short time. Despite this, it is worth processing the cuts.

Plum may suffer from gum growth. This phenomenon appears on the trunk where the bark is damaged, regardless of how it happened. This can be affected by rodents, heavy or too wet soil, excess or deficiency of fertilizers.

Every gardener should remember these nuances when he is engaged in crown formation. This is the only way to grow a good and healthy tree.

To prune an old plum, it is recommended to pay attention tools, which are used. A sharp saw or knife is suitable for this. Removing shoots must be done with caution so as not to injure the tree. After this, nigrolic putty and asphalt varnish are used, which are used to treat the sections.

In addition, some gardeners prepare garden varnish themselves. The application of such products occurs immediately after circumcision. So, in order for the plum to develop well and bring an excellent harvest, it is necessary to prune the branches. This will help form the crown and affect the development of the tree.