when to prune a wild plum tree?

Question

Poduces small yellow plums. Very large and needs a good cut back, just checking when is the best time of year for this wild plum tree?

Answer 1

i'm sorry, but i have to laugh over this:

"plum trees do not respond well to pruning"

i beg to differ on this

WILD PLUMS LOVE PRUNING!

i made the mistake of planting a few of these in my yard.

they do nothing but drop plums and therefore grow more trees than anyone needs.

my neighbors now hate me!

i finally dug up all but one.

we prune that tree at least 3 times a year and it is going NUTS! it gets a HUGE pruning! you can't kill these things!

in my experience, you can prune that baby anytime of year.

good luck with the neighbors!

Answer 2

Be blessed in your new home and thankfull you take it in Fall. The task afore you is large, however, manageable given the time you move in. With the move you will have so many things to do. Let the trees go until mid-October. Later is even better!!. Plan on buying a 10-10-10 with mineral fertilizer (granular) to spread at the outer edges of the tree in November. Begin by removing any and or limbs that are six foot from the surface. You will also want to remove both any dead growth and thin the tree. Thin the tree by removing stems or limbs that touch each other, or, alternate limb removal directionally. In this case, you have already removed the lower limbs, you have also removed one of the limbs/stems that touched. Now you need to move North and South and remove any limb that is overgrowing the lower limbs. Go East and West and do the same. Cut the top limbs and sprouts down by a minimum of one foot up to three foot. This is severe pruning and is best done by a pro, however, you can do it. You will need hand pruner, hand pruning saw, and a small power saw. Use a ladder (tied to the tree) for any efforts above your waist level. Take this time to shape the trees for effect you want and forget about the fruiting. The combination of your severe pruning and the fertilizer will bring back the trees at spring in full bloom if done in Nov. I would purchase a Dormant Oil Spray for application in the spring and late summer. Fertilize again after the flower buds have dropped. Clear the base of the trees by removing the turf from the base to four inches beyond the fall/dripline of the tree. You can use round-up type products, however, I would suggest you use a Preen based compound. To reduce insects and fungi use a Shreeded Cedar Mulch at a level of two to three inches. The severe pruning will enliven the trees when done after the fruit drop. The Mulching will allow for the fertilizer you apply to be directed to the feeding roots of the tree. The Preen will keep the weeds from growing through the soil and mulch. The added air and the application of the Dormant Oil will combat insect and other damage. Good Luck.

Answer 3

well iprune all of my trees including a wild plum at the beginning of the fall..and another touch up in the spring..mine r looking WONDERFUL!!

Answer 4

plum trees do not respond well to pruning, it can leave them
open to silver leaf, a fungal complaint. that kills the tree in 2-3
years. but if you have to it should be done when the tree is
dormont before the sap starts flowing.

Answer 5

You always prune in the Spring. Fertilize too

Answer 6

At the end of Autumn is best

Answer 7

Depends on where you live. I live in CA, and it's too late now. If it hasn't started budding out trim it now.