Tips On Growing Prune Trees

Damson Plum Tree

Want to grow some prune trees? Italian prune trees are a great option to grow. Italian prunes can develop as dwarf trees (10-12 feet) with meticulous pruning. They're wintering hardy and self-fertile. Also, the fruit can be dried, canned, or eaten fresh. Five years after planting prune trees will still produce. In early September, Italian prune trees are ready for harvest.

Tips on Growing Prune Trees
When growing prune trees, pick a one or two-year-old from the nursery with a healthy root system and at least four well-spaced branches. The basic rule for an Italian prune tree is to plant early in the springtime, although if the soil is moist and the autumn conditions are mild, planting can happen in the fall.
 
When picking a place for planting, keep away from any low-lying areas that could be vulnerable to freeing and pooling water. Dig the hole a bit wider and deeper than the trees root ball and put some bone meal in the bottom. Remove the plant from the pot. Examine the roots for any spoil parts that have to be trimmed off.

Next, put the new tree in the hole, so it is equal from all sides. Put peat moss or mulch (found at many stump grinding businesses) mixed with soil and water around the plant. If you are planting more than one prune tree, make sure they are at least 12 feet from each other. 

Prune Tree Maintenance 
Once your prune tree is planted, tree care includes keeping four feet of space around the tree weed-free. A great idea is to use organic mulch around the tree. Organic mulch is excellent for suppressing weed growth. You don’t have to fertilize for up to three years. Once they start to fruit, fertilize per 1 square yard around the tree in the springtime. Be sure not to feed the tree too much.

You can prune Italian prune trees at planting time. To keep their shape, trim shoots from the ground in the springtime and summertime, keeping the middle of the tree open for air circulation and letting the sun in.

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