The plum blossom is one of the four famous flowers of China and is hailed as the leader of the "Three Friends of Winter". Behind the beauty of the plum blossom tree lies an important task—pruning. To ensure the plum blossom tree grows well and blooms profusely, it is essential to master the correct pruning techniques. This article will provide a detailed introduction on how to correctly prune a plum blossom tree, covering aspects such as pruning time, techniques, and key points.
I. Pruning Time
Before pruning a plum blossom tree, it is necessary to determine the timing of the pruning. Generally, the best time to prune a plum blossom tree is in the autumn and spring of each year. Autumn is suitable for tasks such as removing pests, diseases, and withered branches, while spring is ideal for shaping the tree. The best time in spring is after the flowers have bloomed. This ensures that the blooming is not affected and lays the foundation for the next year's flowering.
II. Preparing Tools
Before pruning, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools. You will need a pair of pointed scissors for trimming small branches and leaves, and a pair of large shears for cutting thicker branches. Before using the tools, they must be disinfected to prevent the spread of viruses.
III. Selecting Pruning Objects
When pruning, it is necessary to first select the parts of the tree to be pruned. Typically, the parts of a plum blossom tree that need pruning include the plum branches, the main trunk, and the lateral branches. For a plum blossom tree that is growing too vigorously, you can choose to cut back the main trunk and reduce the number of branches to control its growth momentum.
IV. Clearing Messy Branches
When pruning, it is necessary to first clear away messy branches to ensure the overall aesthetic shape of the plum blossom tree. During the clearing process, it is important not to over-prune, as this may affect the flowering of the following year.
V. Shortening Plum Branches
If the plum branches are growing strongly, they need to be shortened. When shortening, select plum branches that form a small angle with the main trunk and cut them to promote the growth of lateral branches and flowering.
VI. Pruning Lateral Branches
Pruning lateral branches is one of the key aspects of pruning a plum blossom tree. When pruning, it is important to retain new and healthy branches while removing diseased, withered, and overgrown branches to ensure the healthy growth of the tree.
VII. Controlling Forking
Forking is a common phenomenon in the growth of a plum blossom tree. If there is too much forking, it will affect the overall aesthetic and flowering effect of the tree. When pruning, it is necessary to select one side branch to keep and cut off the other side branch.
VIII. Emphasizing Wound Treatment
During the pruning process, it is inevitable that the tree will be wounded. To prevent viral infections and pest infestations, the wounds need to be treated promptly. Before treating the wounds, the tools must be disinfected, and a preservative liquid or paraffin should be used for treatment.
IX. Shaping the Tree
If you want the plum blossom tree to have a more regular shape, you can shape it through pruning. When shaping, the choice should be based on your personal preferences and the growth condition of the tree itself. Generally, the ideal shape for a plum blossom tree is the "Five Plum Blossoms," which consists of one main trunk and four branches arranged in a star pattern.
X. Avoiding Over-pruning
When pruning, it is important not to over-prune. Over-pruning can affect the normal growth and flowering of the plum blossom tree, and may even lead to its death. Pruning must be done with care to avoid harming the tree.
XI. Dealing with the Canopy
The canopy is an important part of the plum blossom tree and a place that requires special attention during pruning. When dealing with the canopy, it is important not to over-prune to avoid affecting the overall aesthetic of the tree.
XII. Maintaining Environmental Hygiene
After pruning, it is necessary to clean up the pruned branches, leaves, and other debris to maintain environmental hygiene. At the same time, attention should be paid to disinfecting and maintaining the tools to ensure safety and effectiveness for the next use.
XIII. Regular Inspection
After pruning, it is necessary to regularly inspect the growth of the plum blossom tree and check for any new pests or diseases. If any abnormalities are found, they should be dealt with promptly to ensure the healthy growth of the tree.
XIV. Emphasizing Water and Fertilizer Management
After pruning, it is also important to pay attention to the water and fertilizer management of the plum blossom tree. Appropriate watering and fertilizing can ensure the tree's nutrient supply and promote its healthy growth and flowering.
XV.
Pruning a plum blossom tree is an important task that requires mastering the correct methods and techniques. When pruning, it is important to pay attention to the pruning time, tool selection, pruning objects, and clearing messy branches, while also avoiding over-pruning and maintaining environmental hygiene. Only by mastering the correct pruning methods can the plum blossom tree bloom with the most beautiful flowers in the spring.