Q. Took your recommendation and planted a Dapple Dandy pluot
and Santa Rosa plum in the same hole about 18 inches apart. New growth has
already started to appear. What I’d like to do now is cut and lower the height
of the Santa Rosa plum to the same height as the pluot. Is it too late to do
that?
and Santa Rosa plum in the same hole about 18 inches apart. New growth has
already started to appear. What I’d like to do now is cut and lower the height
of the Santa Rosa plum to the same height as the pluot. Is it too late to do
that?
 |
| Pluot and plum planted in the same hole. Santa Rosa plum is one of the best pollinators for Pluots. The fruit trees are whitewashed to help prevent sunburn. |
A. No, it is not too late to prune. People are mistaken when
they think the only time to prune is during the winter months and when new
growth appears, it is no longer permitted. This is a not correct.
they think the only time to prune is during the winter months and when new
growth appears, it is no longer permitted. This is a not correct.
One of my professors
used to say, “The best time to prune is when the pruners are sharp.” I still
agree with him. However I would alter that by adding, “as long as it is a hand
pruners.” If you are removing large diameter wood using a saw or loppers timing
is more critical.
used to say, “The best time to prune is when the pruners are sharp.” I still
agree with him. However I would alter that by adding, “as long as it is a hand
pruners.” If you are removing large diameter wood using a saw or loppers timing
is more critical.
In short,
go ahead and lower the height of that pluot. Make sure you whitewash the upper
surfaces of any exposed limbs to reduce sunburn unexposed branches. I will talk
about summer pruning next month. I will post more about this topic on my blog.
go ahead and lower the height of that pluot. Make sure you whitewash the upper
surfaces of any exposed limbs to reduce sunburn unexposed branches. I will talk
about summer pruning next month. I will post more about this topic on my blog.