Plum tree trimming advice

Deanna
by Deanna
I planted a blue plum tree last year.
It's doing great but I'm unsure of how to trim it.
There's a low branch on the right side, I don't want it to grow into
the neighbors yard, should I cut that branch off?
I also have a 30 yr old Apple tree (2nd pic )
that's become overgrown and out of reach.
I don't believe in spraying chemicals so we always have bug ridden apples.
It's a shame too because some of the apples are huge.
Any advice about either tree would be helpful. Thanks.
  8 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 25, 2016
    Trim the branch that is growing into the neighbors yard as far down as you can then you must use a pruning seal over the cut to prevent any diseases or bugs getting into the tree. The apple tree can be sprayed with a horticultural oil. Make sure the leaves are sprayed over and under,spray the bark and the soil. You may have to reapply through the growing season.
    • See 2 previous
    • 1240839 1240839 on Apr 27, 2016
      Cut at the branch bark ridge, this will promote healing. No stubs. If you cut too close to trunk, you remove the material that closes the wound.
  • SheWhoMustBeHeard SheWhoMustBeHeard on Apr 26, 2016
    In pruning, aside from making sure that the cuts are treated, I've found that if you thin the branches so none are overlapping, the tree gets healthier. You don't want any branches rubbing, causing disease or openings for infestation.
  • Catherine Smith Catherine Smith on Apr 26, 2016
    Cut the branch back as other's have suggested and you can use Elmer's Glue for a branch sealant. It's biodegradable and won't harm the tree. Do your apple tree pruning in the fall is best, but as one of the other commenters suggested thinning out the overlapping branches, will allow more light and air and make for a healthier tree. Try this site for more info on organic methods of pest control on fruit trees. http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/growing-apples-zmaz74zhol.aspx
  • Deanna Deanna on Apr 26, 2016
    Thank you everyone for all your advice. I'll try using the Elmers glue since we already have it, but won't it wash away eventually? I made a popsicle stick bird feeder with my Grandson once and used Elmers glue but after a rain it fell apart. I'll pick up some horticultural oil the next time I'm at the Pioneer store in my neighborhood. Shewhomustbeheard and Catherine this old Apple tree has become so tall I can't reach it anymore even with my telescoping pole pruner. It's too dangerous trying to do it on a tall ladder. If the birds didn't love it so much I'd take it down and plant a dwarf tree.
    • See 1 previous
    • Deanna Deanna on Apr 28, 2016
      Thanks again Catherine, Planting another tree isn't an option because there's just no room. I've been trimming that Apple tree for years but only the lower branches I could reach with the pole primer. The whole top of the tree went crazy growing, now all those branches are out of reach and they're the ones that produce the biggest apples.
  • 1240839 1240839 on Apr 27, 2016
    No pruning seal! Trees seal their own wounds. Cut inward branches, crossed or rubbing branches. Plum should be an open vase shape.
  • Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell on Apr 27, 2016
    Contact the Extension agent in your county/state and get a free pruning guide. No sealants necessary. Prune in Feb/March probably in your area. If you have no extension agent (Agriculture) contact a University close by for the best info for your area. What you are showing needs much pruning.
    • Deanna Deanna on Apr 28, 2016
      Thank You Shawn I agree about the Apple tree being overgrown but I would hate to take it down.
  • Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell Shawn Brockhoff Maxwell on Apr 28, 2016
    Do not take it down. Most anything can be saved with the proper pruning. Easy to learn. Get a good hand pruner and remember to do in very early spring each year. Meant to check before I got on here but bet U of I can help you if no county agriculture extension agent there. In KY we have free programs each month to teach these skills to people. Even though in far SW KY we are part of the UK extension group. Order from them if UI doesn't help.
    • See 2 previous
    • Deanna Deanna on Apr 29, 2016
      Good idea Catherine but this tree is located inside my small suburban yard, So there's no way to get a truck back there.