Winter pruning and precautions for plum blossoms

How to cut plum blossoms in winter

Light cut

Gently cut off the top of the branch to prune the strong branches of the beauty plum. There are many advantages to using this pruning method. After removing the top, it will be conducive to the germination of most of the semi-full buds in the lower part. In this way, the branches of the beauty plum will have more medium and short branches next year, and flower buds will be easily formed.

Medium to short

In order to rejuvenate the weak branches of the beauty plum and cultivate the main branches and extension branches, pruning can be done to the middle or upper-middle part of the branches where the full buds are.

Heavy cut

Cut off 2/3 to 3/4 of all branches to produce a strong stimulating effect, which is of great help for the renewal and strengthening of weak trees, old trees, weak branches and old branches.

Very heavy short

Except for leaving 1 or 2 deflated buds at the base of the tree branch, cut off all the rest.

Retraction

Cut back some of the perennial branches. When trees have grown for many years, the base will become bare as they are far away from the top of the branches. This is called apical dominance. In order to break this situation, this pruning method can be used to promote the rejuvenation of the base of the branches.

Thinning

Cut off branches at the bifurcation point, mainly diseased and insect-infested branches, dry branches, crossed branches, etc., to make the branches more evenly distributed, which is conducive to good ventilation and sufficient light. In this way, the branches grow and develop more soundly, which is of great benefit to the differentiation of flower buds.

Tiller Removal

Remove the new shoots that grow at the base of the tree trunk and near the wound, or the root suckers at the roots, to prevent them from dispersing nutrients from the branches and affecting the shape of the tree.

Precautions for winter pruning of plum blossoms

When pruning branches, be sure to keep the cut smooth to reduce the area of ​​the wound and heal quickly. When thinning branches, cut them at the branching point, flush with the trunk, and do not leave any stumps. When choosing the cut buds, if you want to expand the crown outward, leave the cut buds on the outside of the branch. If you want to fill the inner cavity, the direction of the cut buds should be inward.

The beauty plum is very resistant to pruning. In order to maintain a better-looking tree shape, remember to prune it carefully.