Training
Young trees are pruned to develop a tree structure that
supports the limbs that ultimately support the heavy
fruit load during the season. The goal of training is
to develop a sturdy tree and a canopy that is capable
of producing large crops and fills its allotted space.
Training occurs during the first 2 to 3 years after
planting and should be completed before fruit is allowed
to set.
Japanese plums can be trained to the open center vase or delayed open center system where the center
is open and has 3 or 4 main scaffolds with no central leader. Delayed open centers are similar
to the open center, but have wider spacing between scaffold branches. European plums and prunes are
trained to a modified leader system: The central leader is allowed to grow to a height of 5 or
6
feet and is then headed to an outward growing limb. Remember that exposed limbs on young trees
sunburn easily. Protect exposed limbs with a 50:50 mix of white interior latex paint and water or
whitewash. |
A vase-shaped open center tier (left) 
Sketch of a modified leader system (right)
|
