How to prune plum trees and when to do it

"Prune the skeleton in winter, prune the flowers in spring, control the vigorous growth in summer, and pull in autumn" succinctly summarizes the focus and purpose of pruning plum trees throughout the year, and reflects the scientific nature and timeliness of fruit tree management . Below we will learn the specific methods and best time to prune plum trees.

1. Pruning time

Summer pruning usually needs to be done several times, about three to five times, depending on the growth and needs of the tree. The goal of the first pruning, in late spring to early summer, is to remove poorly growing buds, weak double buds, and ineffective branches. Removing these branches helps save nutrients for other healthy branches and promotes their good growth. The second pruning is carried out after the flowers of the plum tree have faded. The main purpose is to remove the remaining flowers and reduce the tree's unnecessary consumption of nutrients. The third pruning is done after the flowers fall. Pruning at this time helps control the density of branches, promote ventilation and light transmission, and create conditions for the healthy growth of fruits.

Winter pruning is a supplement to summer pruning and is mainly carried out during the dormant period of trees. The focus of winter pruning is to adjust the tree structure, remove diseased and weak branches, crossed branches and overly dense branches, ensure ventilation and light transmission inside the crown, and lay a good foundation for next year's growth. Through pruning, the balanced development of branches is maintained to avoid excessive growth of some branches that affect the light and nutrient distribution of other branches or the entire tree. Winter is also a good time to remove old branches and promote new branch growth, which helps trees rejuvenate and maintain long-term productivity.

2. Pruning method

1. Pruning of young trees

In the early stages of plum tree cultivation, the trees are in a rapid growth period, with the trunk and branches growing rapidly. The main purpose of pruning is to guide the tree into a good tree shape while ensuring early production. Do not prune too hard to avoid affecting the normal growth and nutrient distribution of the tree. Appropriately thin out annual short branches to promote the growth of medium and short branches and maintain the overall balanced development of the tree.

2. Pruning in the early stage of fruiting

Plum trees enter the fruiting period 2 to 3 years after cultivation. The purpose of pruning at this time is to optimize the overall shape of the tree and promote the thickness of branches and expansion of the crown. When pruning, you must carefully consider environmental conditions, appropriately shorten the main branches, reduce branch density, and improve ventilation and light conditions.

3. Pruning during the peak fruiting period

After entering the peak fruit-bearing period, plum trees consume a lot of nutrients. The focus of pruning is to improve the efficiency of nutrient delivery and ensure that nutrients are concentrated on the development of fruits. Remove unnecessary branches to reduce nutrient usage and promote healthy fruit growth. Focus on pruning the main and side branches, adjusting the growth of branches, reducing the ineffective consumption of nutrients, optimizing the tree shape, and promoting fruiting.

4. Pruning during the aging and renewal period

After the fruits are picked, plum trees enter a period of senescence, and the purpose of pruning at this time is to promote tree renewal and restore fruit-bearing ability. Focus on pruning the main trunk to stimulate the growth of new branches and accelerate tree renewal. Pruning maintains the health of the tree, extends its fruiting life and promotes the formation of new fruit.

In short, the focus of plum tree pruning is different in different time periods. Plum tree pruning is an important part of fruit tree management, which is directly related to the growth of trees and the yield and quality of fruits.