Plum Tree Question

4 years ago

About 5 years I bought a plum tree from Costco. The tree was one that had several grafts on it and was to have produced a few varieties. However, at some point the single trunk has become many. I've included pictures below. The obvious issue is the trunks to the left of the picture are leaning pretty far to the left. That's also unfortunately the side that is growing the best and has been producing. But the limbs are practically touching the ground during the summer when it has leaves and plums. The ones on the right side are not as healthy. Not as many leaves and hasn't produced. I'm wondering if I need to cut a few of them down and try to get the to grow straight, or is it too late? If I do need to cur them, what time of year is best? Any help would be appreciated.

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Comments (2)

HU-525254581
4 years ago
Any sprouts under the graft should be removed.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
It may be best to start over.....sorry :-)

The previous poster is correct. Only one of those 'trunks' actually bears the grafted varieties. The rest are shoots from the rootstock, will never bear the fruit you purchased and are sapping energy from the rest of the tree. Grafted fruit tree root suckers should be removed as soon as they appear.

After 5 years in the ground, removing all but the productive trunk may be a little severe all at once. But you can certainly try. Now is the time to do so, before any budding or new spring growth takes place.

And at this stage, I am not sure how well you may get the productive portion to grow more vertically. The trunk diameter and the ripened wood may make staking to a more upright position difficult if not impossible. But again, you can certainly try.
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