The pruning has many benefits in plants. In nature, the wind and the fall of other larger plants are in charge of clearing the branches of all of them. But in cultivation the branches grow and grow, without anyone controlling them, which can be harmful, since not so much light enters into them, there is less photosynthetic activity, that is, less growth. When it comes to growing fruit trees, this task is even more important, since it is intended to achieve excellent quality fruits from healthy plants. So, let’s know when the plums are pruned .
In this article we are going to teach some characteristics and tips to learn when to prune plums.
When are plums pruned
The plum tree , known by the scientific name Prunus domestica , is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 6-7 meters high and can be grown in temperate climates, in places where the minimum temperature is -7ºC. It is a very rustic and adaptable fruit tree that we can plant even in limestone soils. But to obtain delicious fruit, it must be pruned from time to time .
The most recommended times are in winter , which is known as winter pruning, and in spring-summer , known as green pruning. Let’s see how they differ and what is intended to be achieved with them. It is an important question to think about when the plum trees are pruned since the period varies depending on the type of good growing tree you have. In this case, we can perform a pruning during the vegetative period. However, there are two different times that are the best to do this type of work. Let’s see what these two eras are:
- Period between the fall of the leaves and the beginning of sprouting . Normally, this period covers the months corresponding to autumn and winter. During these months the plum tree has less vegetative activity. Therefore, it is known as winter pruning. This vegetative activity corresponds to a lower movement of sap.
- During this stage, the beginning of budding begins until the leaves fall. It is usually in the months between spring and summer. It is known by the name of green pruning or pruning in vegetation.
Importance and advantages of pruning the plum
Every time we can make a tree, we are making a kind of direction towards how we want it to grow and develop. With the pruning, we improve the health of the tree, either by avoiding the growth of suckers, branches that are crossed one or the other that do not usually give any type of benefit, getting the tree aerated and reducing the chances of being affected by pests and diseases. This is because it is much more comfortable for pests if it is protected between many branches. In this way, with well done pruning they cannot live well with air currents that circulate inside the tree.
It is one of the reasons why the pest may decide to abandon the plum tree due to discomfort for the development of its species as well as that of many fungi. If an area of the tree is aerated, it does not usually accumulate moisture, it inhibits the development and growth of fungal diseases. Let’s see what are the different benefits that you get from learning when to prune plums:
- It helps regulate the growth and development of the tree in an established planting framework.
- The entry of phytosanitary products is easier effective to have a lower plant density.
- It usually increases the size of the fruit and its quality. The less fruit there are on the tree, the more reserves each one will accumulate.
- It helps to control the final height of the tree and facilitates the collection of the fruits.
- More light enters the interior foliage of the tree, so it has a greater photosynthetic activity.
- Avoid possible common vecerías in fruit and olive trees. In this way, productions are regulated.
- Eliminate affected or diseased branches, unproductive crops. In this way, it allows new shoots to grow with the ability to develop well.
Types of pruning the plum
Winter pruning
As its name suggests, it takes place in the cold months of the year, preferably at the beginning of the season, when the leaves begin to fall. With it, what is sought is to form the structure of the tree , so it will be the most important that we will do. The advice that is usually given is to do the during the fall of the leaves and not wait until most of them are already down.
The most recommended way to do it is by making a smooth cut, at a twisted angle and leaving a stump , that is, a few centimeters from the base.
Green pruning
With this pruning the aim is to eliminate the branches that no longer bear fruit, those that are weak and those that have been twisted . Those that grow too erect must also be removed, as this will force the plant to remove lateral branches.
This pruning has the objective of eliminating the shoots of previous years that have no use on the tree, and pruning the shoots of more than 40 centimeters and half a centimeter thick. That is to say, popping out those branches that grow too erect, to favor the emission of lateral shoots, useful at harvest time.
One of the fundamental aspects to carry out a good pruning is to recognize the plum growth organs. Some of these organs are what we have to learn to prune and others we do not have to prune. These organs are the following:
- Darts: They are very small and pointy vacations. It will lead to flower bud formations and it is important not to remove them.
- Suckers : they must be removed before they grow and reach large sizes. They are very vigorous shoots and length. They grow on the thick branches flies low areas of the trunk.
- Brindillas: they are short and thin shoots that produce quality fruits. They must not be eliminated.
- Mixed bouquets : they are long and vigorous shoots. They will produce fruits of greater caliber and quality. They do not have to be pruned.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about when plums are pruned.
