MyGardenCenterOnline :: Garden Fruit Trees :: Plum Trees
Plum Pyramid Pruning and Shaping
For the small garden a pyramid is the ideal way of growing plums.A pyramid is a short conical tree on which the branches decrease in size as they progress up the tree.The pyramid shape ensures that even the lower branches receive plenty of light with good air circulation.The short stature also makes a plum pyramid easy to prune, net and pick while providing a reasonable crop of fruit.
Support
A single stake should be placed in the ground before the plum tree is planted .Putting a stake in after the plum tree may result in the roots hidden beneath the surface being damaged.Use a proprietary tree tie to attach the trunk to the stake.
Once the tree has become established the stake can be removed except in a very exposed positions.Regularly check that the tie is not too tight and cutting into the growing trunk.
Training a Plum Dwarf Pyramid
Some varieties of plum lend themselves to be grown on a dwarfing stock and can be grown as dwarf pyramids.Check that you buy a suitable variety, these are particulary useful in a small garden where just a small quantity of plums is required.
Year One Winter Plant a feathered plum tree in winter.In early spring cut out the leader at about 1.5m (5ft) from the ground.Cut out all the side shoots below about 45cm (18in) and then reduce all remaining laterals (branches) by about half.
Year One Summer The following mid-summer you will need to cut back the new growth on the main branches to about 20cm (8in) to an outward facing bud.You should also cut back all the sub-laterals to around 15cm (6in).
Year Two Spring In the second spring cut back the new growth made by the leader by about two thirds.No other pruning is requiring is required at this time of the year.
Established Pruning Summer The tree may be mature by the third spring or it may need another year.Once mature little pruning is required unless there is vigorous growth.This should be cut back to a few leaves in summer.You may also need to remove any dead ,diseased or damaged wood and thin out any congested areas by taking out older wood.
Plum Trees
Autumn Sweet Plum Tree
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Damson Plum Tree
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Italian Plum Tree
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Santa Rosa Plum Tree
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