How to Prune a 5-Year-Old Plum Tree - eHow.com_2563

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Trim out any crossed branches that are rubbing together,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, as the damage caused by rubbing can lead to disease or insect problems. Cut the branches back to the nearest main branch from which they emerge.
                     
                  
                     
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How to Prune a 5-Year-Old Plum Tree | You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
               
               
               
Cut back the top and sides of the tree to maintain the shape and size. Cut back each overgrown branch to a leaf bud nearest the desired length of the branch.
                     
                  
                     
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Inspect the tree in the spring before it begins actively leafing out. Cut out dead or winter-damaged branches with a pruning saw. Cut them flush with the nearest healthy branch or the trunk.
Locate any water spout branches on the plum tree. Water spouts grow straight up from one of the side branches,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, often crowding the upper branches and weakening the branch they emerge from. Cut out the water spouts flush with the branch of their origin.
                     
                  
            
         
         
      
      
      
      
Proper pruning helps the trees maintain a good shape,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, which permits proper air circulation around the branches and cuts down on disease and fungal problems. A symmetrical,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, well-pruned tree is stronger and less prone to branch breakage. A 5-year-old tree is established and trained to a central leader branch. Yearly maintenance pruning is all that is required to maintain the shape and health of plum trees of this age or older.
               
            
         
      
      
      
      
            
      
         
            Difficulty: Moderately Easy
            Instructions
         
         
         
            
               Things You'll Need:
               
                  
                     
                        Pruning saw
                     
                  
               
            
         
            
               
                     
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