pruning plum trees to keep them small

The goal is to have scaffolding branches radiate outward and then upward in the rough shape of a. After the first buds start to break in early spring examine the spacing of the branches and decide if you like the.

How To Prune A Plum Tree

This video is part of my fruit tree pruning series and will discuss how to keep fruit trees small.

. Thats why you want to work with your arborist to reduce your trees height gradually over a 3-year period. Some other resources areDave Wilson Nursery Back Yard O. Summertime when plum trees are strong and rich in resources is the best time for pruning as the trees are able to recover quickly.

If branches do break in your tree prune them back to. Cut side limbs back no more than 13 of their length and cut just in front of a side shoot at a 45-degree angle. This encourages growth to continue along the side shoot in.

Again the aim is to keep the tree a manageable size and. Here is how to prune a plum tree. There are many advantages to keeping your.

Summer Pruning Plum Trees. Start by cutting away any dead diseased or damaged wood. Thinning fruits can be regarded as the first stage of pruning as it reduces strain on the branches.

Remove dead damaged or diseased wood from the garden and dispose of it in an appropriate manner. The leader of the central group should be cut back to the top of the tree. Prune Fruit Trees for Small Gardens.

When to prune plum trees. Branches can be susceptible to snapping under the weight of the fruit although thinning will help to prevent this. Do this in early summer while fruits are still small.

Cuts should be made as close to the main limb of the tree as possible so as. So if you want to make your tree 6 feet shorter your arborist. These are typically about 6 inches apart with the lowest about 18 inches above the ground.

Pruning your trees in summer can help keep them at a manageable size says Contra Costa Master Gardener Helen Erickson. Established plum trees that are more than three years old can be pruned in summer from mid-June onwards.

Grow Little Fruit Trees For Big Rewards This Old House