When to prune plum trees

Plum trees are pruned in late winter

Plum trees are pruned at the end of winter

The pruning it has many benefits in plants. In nature, the wind and the fall of other larger plants are responsible for 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 are the plums pruned.

In this article we are going to teach some characteristics and tips to learn when to prune plums.

When are plums pruned

Plum pruning is done in winter

Plum pruning is done in winter

El plum tree, known by the scientific name Prunus domesticaIt is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 6-7 meters in height and can be grown in temperate climates, in places where the minimum temperature is -7ºC. It is a very rustic and adaptable fruit tree, which we can plant even in limestone soils. But to obtain delicious fruits, it has to be pruned from time to time.

The most recommended times are in winterwhich is known as winter pruning, and in spring-summerknown 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 plums are pruned since the period varies depending on the type of good growing tree you have. In this case, we can carry out 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:

  1. Period between the fall of the leaves and the start of sprouting. Normally, this period covers the months corresponding to autumn and winter. During these months the plum tree has less vegetative activity. For this reason, it is known as winter pruning. This vegetative activity corresponds to less sap movement.
  2. 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

when plum trees are pruned and how to do it

when plum trees are pruned and how to do it

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 to tell me we improve the state of health of the tree, either by avoiding the growth of suckers, branches that are crossed Some like others that do not usually give any type of benefit, get the tree aerated and reduce the chances of being affected by pests and diseases. This is because for pests it is much more comfortable 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 the pest may decide to abandon the plum tree for 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 plum trees are pruned:

  • It helps to regulate the growth and development of the tree in an established plantation setting.
  • 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 vecerias 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

when the plum trees are pruned

when plum trees are pruned

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 her what is sought is form the tree structureso it will be the most important we will do. The advice that is usually given is to do it during the fall of the leaves and not wait until most of them are already down.

The most recommended way to do it is making a smooth cut, at a crooked angle and leaving a stumpthat is, a few centimeters from the base.

Green pruning

With this pruning what is intended is remove 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 take out lateral branches.

This pruning has the objective of remove outbreaks from 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 spiky vacations. It will lead to flower bud formations and it is important not to remove them.
  • Pacifiers: 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.
  • Toasts: They are short and thin shoots that produce quality fruit. 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.

When to prune plum trees

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