Are you thinking about planting a plum tree in your backyard? This is always a great idea because these trees don’t require a lot of maintenance, which is perfect if you are not an avid gardener. Plus, if you do everything right, you will enjoy heavy crops, and take the appearance of your garden to the next level. If this sounds appealing to you, here are some essential tips and tasks you have to complete.
1. Watering
First things first, let start at the beginning. When it comes to watering, it is absolutely crucial during the first year. Regular heavy watering is the only way to promote growth and ensure that the tree develops perfectly. When it comes to frequency, you need to do it regularly, that is, every week. After a few years, once strong roots form, you don’t have to do it as often. In addition, keep in mind that you have to complete this task well into the fall, i.e., until mid-October, to prepare the tree for the winter. It is always a good idea to establish a drip system. Why? Well, this way, the water will penetrate deep into the soil, enabling the tree to grow strong roots.
2. Pruning
Pruning is another essential thing that needs to be on your to-do list. As you probably already know, this is the only way to safeguard your tree against diseases and pests. However, there are several things you have to consider. First of all, there is the matter of pruning level. It depends on the tree variety, so make sure to research it before doing anything. Next, you have to learn about the plum tree pruning time of the year. The golden rule is to do it either in the early spring or mid-summer, depending on whether it is a young or mature tree. Also, don’t forget that you should never do this during the late fall or early winter because the tree won’t have time to recover.
3. Fertilizing
Like any other plant in your garden, you need to fertilize the plum tree to promote its growth and development. When it comes to this task, you need to do it in the early spring before the fruit starts growing. Most people opt for calcium nitrate, and you should use one pound of it when you fertilize the tree in the spring. Yes, you can do it again later in the year, but make sure to use a smaller quantity of calcium nitrate.
4. Harvesting
This requirement may seem odd at first, but let us elaborate. If you do not harvest the products regularly, you can actually damage the tree. The fruits can become quite heavy, and if the tree is still young, the branches can easily snap and break under this weight. The only way to prevent this from happening and ensure the quality of the tree is to remove the fruits regularly. Clearly, you have to learn when the right time for harvesting is since it is another thing that depends on the variety.
