When should you prune a flowering plum tree?

When should you prune a flowering plum tree?

Spring bloomers should be trimmed after flowers have dropped. Summertime-blooming plum trees must be pruned the following winter or early spring. Winter bloomers, such as P. mexicana, may be trimmed after fruits are harvested in early fall.

Should flowering plum trees be pruned?

Most flowering plums don’t require regular pruning, although certain circumstances may require pruning. You can prune in nearly any month, except during late summer or early fall, without damaging the tree’s overall health, although one time of year is always best.

How do you take care of a flowering plum tree?

Basic Care Grow in full sun for the richest leaf color. While capable of surviving in shade, the foliage of ornamental plums will remain green in shady locations. Recommended for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, the trees need regular weekly watering.

How do you prune a double flowering plum tree?

Double-Flowering Plum

1. Pruning time. Dormancy from late Fall to mid-April is best.
2. Pruning. I prune this plant as I would other trees and shrubs in the Prunus genus.
3. Crown Reduction and Shaping. This plant is not suited to shaping by shears or power hedgers.

What is wrong with my flowering plum tree?

Cankers, galls and mildews are common fungal diseases of ornamental plum trees. Kansas State University reports that purple-leaf plum is particularly prone to develop Cytospora cankers, which are caused by Leucostoma and Valsa fungi. This disease can progress to kill the tree.

How long do flowering plum trees live?

about 20 years
Flowering plum is a short-lived tree with an average lifespan of about 20 years. The tree is susceptible to fungal diseases, so do not overwater and allow the tree to sit with “wet feet.” You can lessen the chance of fungal diseases occurring on the foliage by taking extra care not to spray the leaves when watering.

Can you prune a plum tree in blossom?

Plum trees are therefore best pruned in spring or summer. Pruning plum trees in spring or summer enables the tree’s pruning wounds to heal before the spores of silver leaf disease become active during the damp months of autumn and winter. Young plum trees (up to three years old) are best lightly pruned in spring.

How do you care for a double flowering plum tree?

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

How do you fertilize a flowering plum tree?

Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer (10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, 10 percent potassium) one month after planting the ornamental plum. Prepare 8 ounces per the manufacturer’s specifications with water, if necessary, and spread it in a 2-foot circle around the tree with the spray applicator.

What’s the best way to trim a flowering plum tree?

Ways to Prune. Three basic ways to prune are pinching, thinning and crown reduction. Pinching flower heads and twiggy offshoots by hand will help to control the plant’s size. “Thinning” removes stems and weak limbs from main branches or tree trunks. Thinning flowering plum trees helps them to absorb light and circulated air.

When to trim flowering plum trees in San Francisco?

Spring bloomers should be trimmed after flowers have dropped. Summertime-blooming plum trees must be pruned the following winter or early spring. Winter bloomers, such as P. mexicana, may be trimmed after fruits are harvested in early fall. Always On. Always Open. 100% Digital. Lock Your Mortgage Rates On Your Schedule. No mortgages found.

How often should you fertilize a flowering plum tree?

Flowering plum trees can tolerate a range of soil pH from alkaline to slightly acidic. Fertilize three times a year with a 5-10-10 plant food designed for flowering trees.

What should a flowering plum tree look like?

After pruning, your flowering plum tree should have a scaffold appearance with a main trunk or leader and branches that are perpendicular to the trunk. A good pruning regimen can keep your flowering plum tree healthy for years to come.