| Caring for Plum Trees |
| Tips on pruning, thinning, fertilizing and more |
From "Fresh From the Orchard"
episode DFFO-104 |
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A trip to the Byron Research Station, where more than 40 varieties of plums are grown, is inspirational. We begin with an up-close view of how a plum tree is grafted onto a hardy rootstock to create the type of plum tree sold at a nursery. We also get expert advice on how to prune plums for maximum production and optimum health and how to manage suckers and watersprouts.
Pruning PlumsThe best time to do major pruning is when the trees are still dormant in the spring. Most cooperative extension services have free brochures that give detailed information on pruning fruit trees. There are many different pruning methods for plums, but the following are the three primary methods: - The open center system, in which the main trunk is cut back and the branches are allowed to create an open, or bowl-shaped structure;
- The central leader system, in which the tree is encourage to grow in the classic "Christmas tree" shape, with a strong vertical main trunk;
- The modified leader system, which is a cross between the open center and the central leader system.
Suckers and Watersprouts - Suckers are the tall shoots that often spring up near the base of grafted trees (figure A). The shoots come from the area below the graft union and are shoots of the rootstock. Suckers should not be allowed to grow: they should be cut off at their base as soon as they emerge.
- Watersprouts are long straight shoots that grow from the trunk and main branches (figure B). Like suckers, watersprouts grow quickly and take food and water away from the tree. Removing them not only allows more nutrients to get to your fruit but also allows more sunlight through the canopy of your plum trees.
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