Which month is better for pulling branches of plum trees (what is the best angle for pulling branches in November)

Why do we need to pull branches on plum trees?

Pulling and opening the branches is the most commonly used technique in plum tree shaping and pruning. It is to artificially change the growth direction of branches, so that upright branches become oblique, horizontal or drooping.

This can effectively adjust the growth potential of branches, promote the formation of medium and short branches, promote the transformation of vegetative growth to reproductive growth, and advance flowering and fruiting.

1. Adjust the tree structure, expand the crown, and accelerate the formation ;

2. Improve the lighting conditions of the tree ;

3. Slow down the growth of trees ;

4. It plays an important role in promoting flower bud differentiation and early fruiting .

Is it okay to pull branches of plum trees in November?

Plum trees can be pruned not only in November, but also all year round, because time is not the only factor that determines whether or not a plum tree can be pruned .

It is also related to many other factors, such as the age of the tree, the flexibility of the branches, the opening angle, the branch pulling method, the plum tree variety, the region, etc.

1. Spring branch pulling

Try to complete the spring branch pulling before the plum trees sprout. This pulling is to supplement the work that was not completed last year (for plum trees, only the main branches need to be pulled so try to complete the work last year).

2. Summer branch pulling

The branch pulling is done at the end of May or the beginning of June. If the spring shoots have stopped growing, there is no need to pull them. If the spring shoots should have stopped growing during this period but have not, you can pull the branches.

3. Autumn branch pulling

Autumn branch pulling refers to the period from August 20 to September 30. The effect of branch pulling is best at this time. First, the angle can be fixed in a short time, about 10 days. Second, the autumn shoots will stop growing immediately, that is, the autumn shoots are short.

4. Winter branch pulling

Try not to pull branches in winter. Many fruit farmers pull branches because they have time in winter. Because the branches have stopped growing in winter and the degree of lignification is high, pulling branches will definitely hurt the bones and there is no recovery time after pulling branches.

Why do we say that plum trees can be pulled in November?

1. The sap is still flowing and the branches are relatively flexible

In November, the temperature in many places, especially in the south, is not very low and has not reached the dormant temperature of plum trees. Therefore, many plum trees are in a semi-dormant or non-dormant state.

This means that there is still a small amount of sap flowing and the branch is still relatively flexible. At this time, as long as you are gentle and careful when pulling the branch, you can pull the branch successfully.

2. Suitable temperature and light

In November, it is still the end of autumn. In many places, the temperature is not only suitable, but also the sun is warm and the weather is almost as clear and crisp as autumn. Therefore, many places are suitable for plum tree branching.

Moreover, during this period, there are few continuous rainy and rainy days, so even if the branches are infested, they are not easily infected by water and rotten.

3. Not susceptible to pests and diseases

The weather in November is warm and cold, so bacteria and insect eggs have little chance to reproduce and hatch, and many pests and diseases are eager to hide. Therefore, even if you prune and pull branches during this period, it is not easy to be attacked by pests and diseases.

4. More free time

November is the month when crops are harvested and people have more free time. It is also a good time to prune the plum trees.

What is the appropriate angle for pulling branches of plum trees?

The angle of the plum tree branch is mainly determined by the tree shape you choose. Today, we take our southern plum tree varieties as an example. The natural open- heart shape is mainly used. The angle of the open-heart shape is suitable for 45 degrees to 60 degrees. For trees with vigorous growth, the angle should be larger, otherwise, the angle should be smaller.