Make sure to have your soil sampled before planting. Plum trees, in addition to promoting the health of all the surrounding plants, benefit from Foxgloves. In fall, they bear fruits which are beautifully decorative and can range from glossy red to pink-flushed orange to yellow. The next closest location for the 2nd tree would be about 100' away. Sorbus, also known as Japanese Rowan trees, are a brilliant choice for fall color due to their ash-like foliage which turns from green to a dazzling array of orange and red. Begin by selecting the type of tree you want to plant in your backyard. The clay soil will hold water and cause the roots of the trees to rot. You can add to the soil what is necessary to grow a particular variety of trees." Purple Plum Trees Can Be Planted In Clay Soil SabinoCanyon.com. To prevent winter injury: Consider a tree wrap or guard around the lower trunk, especially for a young plumtree. See our lovely video showing how to plant a plum tree and find detailed informationbelow. Plant garlic near the tree to act as a repellent. Plus, plums are delicious cooked in jams and cakesor eaten right out of hand! It has made a profound difference. The recommended maximum distance between plum treesis 50 feet, but as long as there are plenty ofpollinators in your area, 100 feet shouldnt be too far. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Laburnums will flower better in full sun but can tolerate some shade and will not do well in the heat or waterlogged soils. Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. Fortunately, the addition of plenty of organic matter means that the soil of the area is already relatively free-draining. Because they flower so early, plums are especially vulnerable to spring frosts, which can damage blooms and result in sub-parfruiting. Betula utilis jacquemontii or the 'Snow Queen' birch is a slender specimen which will grow to around 22ft tall making it a good choice for small garden ideas. Obviously, in other situations, the next step would be to dig a hole. The planting area for my new plum tree is in the north eastern quadrant of a south-facing walled orchard. If your soil has a pH that is alkaline, you can lower it by using elemental sulfur or a fertilizer that contains ammonium sulfate before planting it. Alders are monoecious so have both male and female catkins on the same tree. Because peaty peat soil contains far less nutrients than normal peat soil, it typically has poorer nutrients. Mixing this material with the organic material you add to the soil will make the soil loftier and aid in water transfer. It is rarely attacked by diseases and is self-fertile. Plums do well in a warm, coastal climate, and can grow in Sunset's climate zones 2 to 22. With clay soils, digging into clay soil to plant is strongly discouraged as it creates room for the clay soil to become soggier. While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. Plums are ready to be harvested from late summerinto fall, depending on yourarea. Knowing the type of soil you intend to use is one of the most important things you should think about when starting your own garden. Like mounds, raised best are highly recommended because they give you the benefit of selecting the best soil for your plum trees. Contact your local cooperative extension to implement a spraying program that can help manage these pests and diseases. Talk to your local. It is also good to thin out the fruit on these types of trees. One other pattern is also vitally important to good garden design. We earn from qualifying purchases. Keep the topsoil in a separate pile so you can put it in the bottom of the hole, where itll do the most good. { Increase your harvest by pruning your peach tree in these easy steps. After preparing where to plant your plum trees, the next thing is planting. This gives enough room for most of the trees roots to establish themselves in ideal soil. If the soil is rich in clay, it is more prone to root rot diseases. However, establishing a fruit garden in areas with clay soil is not as simple as digging a hole and planting fruit trees. A growing legacy since 1816. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. When the solution is used, a faster growing root formation and stronger root development occur. "acceptedAnswer": { Image Source. Make certain that your plants are planted in a location with plenty of sun to encourage fruiting. If you amend the soil first, you can grow almost any fruit tree in your yard. Spread the roots gently and keep them out of the way without bending them too much in order for them to grow out of the tree. Follow these simple steps to know when it's time to harvest apples from your fruit tree. Be area that Laburnum is highly toxic to humans and animal. No amount of soil preparation will make up for low sun or too much sun. Alder or Alnus glutinosa grow vigorously in cool, wet conditions and are often found by rivers and lakes making them a good choice for sites with poor drainage. This gives enough room for most of the tree's roots to establish themselves in ideal soil. But it will take decades to improve the entire half-acre. Water well. Alternatively, you can pick the fruits when they are still slightly firm and store them in a cool place to fullyripen. Plant your plum trees After preparing where to plant your plum trees, the next thing is planting. If you do not have chickens or other livestock to get rid of the grass, you should suppress it. In reply to Plum Trees But No Fruit by Teresa (not verified). 'Horbeam, hawthorn and birch are medium to large trees well suited for heavy clay soils. Soil. If you are planting trees that are several years old, staking may be necessary until their roots are firmly attached to the ground. More About this Tree. A gypsum patch improves the salinity of your soil as well as provides calcium, which is beneficial to your trees. A good way to choose a suitable location for plum trees is to inspect your yard after a hard rain, and avoid any areas where standing water gathers. Sun and good soil. Help? If you need further assistance, we're always eager to help. In North America it is suitable for growing zones 4-9. These conditions produce the healthiest trees and most substantial fruit crops. Whenever a new tree is planted, it is an act of hope and anticipation. "@type": "Question", They also break apart clay and silt particles, so that water can infiltrate and roots can spread. They also grow best in soils with a pH that ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. The crab apple or 'Malus' is one of the best trees to grow in clay soils as it offers interest throughout the year and is also a great pollinator. Drought, storms, and rain can all affect how you should care for your newly planted tree. My Stanley Plum Tree dropped over half its unripened fruit in early July and then dropped more in August. You will need to add rich organic matter and facilitate drainage for trees that need this care when planting. It is a series of ethics, principles and practical techniques that allow us to care for planet and people and create gardens and growing systems that will endure. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is recommended as a base. When digging a backyard, it is critical to keep the soil as wide and shallow as possible. Avoid soil with high clay content if possible however, because this type of soil can present drainage issues. We recommend that you do not plant this variety near children and pets and gloves should be worn when handling. Provide them with a healthy start, and they will have a better chance of making it through next winter, then budding in the spring. Loam soils are loose and look rich. It will reach a mature height and spread of 15-25ft. Doing so will compact a clay soil and reduce the airspaces in the soil. We have this black fungus that keeps growing on the branches every year. In addition to designing gardens, Elizabeth also works in a consultancy capacity, offering ongoing support and training for gardeners and growers around the globe. It can grow in a variety of soils and can tolerate clay when the soil pH is 6.0 to 6.5. Soil and other growing conditions are essential to a healthy crop, regardless of your climate. Short, young trees probably will not require you to stake them. They are tolerant of heavy clay soils if drainage is good. Use a shovel or till to loosen the soil about 12 inches. "@type": "FAQPage", Clay soils can also be used to grow fruit trees such as apples, pears, and peaches, as well as nut trees such as walnuts and hazelnuts. } BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! You will need to water your newly planted tree for the first several weeks after planting. Cut back the nitrogen in fall and winter to avoid encouraging new growth in thoseseasons. She has filled the rest of the garden with a polytunnel, a vegetable patch, a herb garden, a wildlife pond, woodland areas and more. Sandy soils would be preferred, but clay soil with some sand would be preferred as well. Every tree you consider will have different nutritional requirements, sun requirements, and drainage requirements. A trees growth potential is as affected by sunlight as the ground in which it is planted. Water the tree deeply immediately after planting. Clay soils are ideal for growing plants because they are able to withstand drought stress, provide nutrients required for plant growth, and are water-resistant. How To Grow A Pineapple Guava Tree In Clay Soil, The Importance Of Quality Potting Soil For Vegetable Plants, Exploring The Unique Scent And Uses Of Yucca Root, Experience The Benefits Of Yucca Soap: Natural Cleansing Moisturizing And Skin-Nourishing Properties, Bring Life To Your Garden: Understanding The Sun And Care Requirements For Your Yucca Cane, Cloning A Yucca Plant: A Guide For Gardeners, Exploring The Differences And Similarities Between The Red Star Spike And Yucca Plants, Exploring The Possible Reasons Behind Cats Chewing On Yucca Plants And Tips For Deterring This Behavior, Exploring The Scarcity Of Yucca Roots In Texas: Uncovering The Reasons And Benefits Of This Delicate Plant. To avoid late spring frost, plant at the top of a slope. European types do not typically require fruit thinning because they do not produce as much fruit as Japanese types. If possible, find a sheltered location, such as a south- or west-facing spot out of the wind. Drainage is also a factor and for plants sited in low spots, dig a hole for your tree half as deep as the root ball. Water the tree thoroughly at the time of planting; this helps the soil to settle around the roots. They require pruning in the dormant season to create a strong structure to support their fruit. Our new plum tree will be a companion for the other mature plum tree on the site. In the fall, rake away all debris and fallentrees. If your soil contains a lot of clay, you may need to add other types of soil. (11/4/89) Host Sue Gray shares a few tips for establishing trees and shrubs in clay soils and poorly drained soils. If branches do break, prune them back to undamaged wood, ideally cutting back to a natural fork to avoid leavingstubs. Unfortunately, the fruit does not store for long, so must be eaten or preserved. Whilst some have the tendency to be tricky to work with, clay soils are highly beneficial when it comes to producing thriving fruit trees,' explains Marcus Eyles, horticultural director of Dobbies (opens in new tab). "@type": "Question", We use a level to ensure that we are planting our tree plum (at a good, 90-degree angle, perpendicular to the ground level, or plum) when planting the amended soil around it. They are hardy in Europe and in North America are suited to growing zones 5-8. For example, before deciding where to place my new plum tree, I thought about where it would sit in relation to the compost heap and my home. How to Protect Strawberry Plants in Winter | Winterize Your Patch with Straw Mulch. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. Clay soils can be used to grow fruit trees in your garden or landscape. A keen gardener, when shes not writing youll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects. How To Plant Fruit Trees in Clay Soil Build a Mound. If you are planting a tree far from a water source, you should construct a berm (catch basin) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole. Since moving to the property she has also rescued many chickens from factory farms, keeping them for their eggs, and moved much closer to self-sufficiency. You want to keep the soil moist but . In order not to flood the area with water, make sure that your water is digging deep into the clay. Plum Soil pH. The reason for this is that clay soil does not drain well without significant amendment. Permaculture zoning is designed to make sure these patterns of movement are taken into account. Here are some tips for planting fruit trees in clay soil. These trees thrive in high pH soils as they are amongst the best trees for alkaline clay soil. It is visited more often than wilder zones. They make brilliant specimen trees planted singularly and are slow growing, reaching mature heights of 1525ft with a spread of around 20ft, making them a good choice for your courtyard garden ideas. The next step is to dig a hole that is twice the width of the trees root ball and just as deep. Dig a hole thats a few inches deeper and wider than the spread of the roots. Do not fertilize young fruit trees until they have set acrop. Clay soil can feel like a blessing and a curse. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil. 'Horbeam, hawthorn and birch are medium to large trees well suited for heavy clay soils. Be careful not to underwater or overwater your tree by checking how damp the soil around it is. Many gardeners wish to have a small orchard in the backyard. If you have a European variety, the best pruning method is to create a central leader. We have tried neam oil and neam pesticide, which have not worked. When planting trees in clay soil there are some steps you can take in order to help them establish. Organic material does a great job in improving the texture of clay soil while adding vital nutrients that aid the growth of plum trees and the development of fruits. They also have blossom flowers in spring, and fruit in fall, so therefore offer plenty of ornamental interest throughout the year. The Nasturtium flower is an excellent choice for keeping aphids away from your plants. She has made many strides in attracting local wildlife and increasing biodiversity on the site. Plums should really only be planted in a prime locationfeaturing all of the following characteristics. However it can be heavy and hard to work, and can bake solid in summer. Prune in early spring or mid-summer to avoid infection. Form a raised doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. Japanese types require heavy pruning to help keep them in shape and to produce better fruit. Are you having pest issues? "mainEntity": [ In heavy or clay-based soils that drain poorly, dig hole shallower than root ball - so that root ball sits about 3-6" above grade. { After three to six years of maturity, a plum tree can produce fruit. Organic materials bind sandy soil particles so they retain moisture and nutrients better. This is why these plum trees are a popular option for the home grower. Size can vary between varieties so be sure to do your research. }. This is a type of English plum, a cultivar of the egg plum group of trees (Prunus domestica ssp. Trees require direct sunlight for at least six hours per day to survive. Fill in the hole, stopping periodically to make sure that the roots are thoroughly covered and no air pockets remain around thetree. Others use items made to look like owls or owl eyesalso with mixedsuccess. Knowing the best trees for clay soil is important if you have heavy, clay soil in your garden. Some trees thrive in the dense, nutrient-rich, heaviness of clay, while others need a lot of help when planting. Planting Steps Before planting: soak tree roots in a tub or large trash can of water for one to two hours to keep its roots from drying while you dig. Since the other plums are harvested slightly earlier (often August-early September) this new tree should extend the length of our plum harvest. But when the plants are more mature, the chickens will be able to eat without destroying the plants. Having this type of soil can be a big challenge when it comes to gardening as it is hard to work and has poor drainage which can prevent many plants from thriving. Elizabeth Waddington is a writer, permaculture designer and green living consultant. I don't know the type of plum tree i have, but it's rather large and produces a lot of plums. Related Article: What Vegetables Grow in Clay Soil? It will become the heart of a fruit tree guild that will complement the other existing plants in this part of our property. The Japanese plums early blooms make them more susceptible to spring frosts in colder areas. The pH of soil determines the alkalinity or acidity of it. They grow best in moist but well-drained soils, and should not be planted in wet, waterlogged ground. She has created booklets and aided in the design of Food Kits to help gardeners to cool and warm climates to grow their own food, for example. This post will cover more on planting plum trees in clay soil. Once planted, water once per month until the tree breaks dormancy and begins to leaf out. If the soil drainage is good, the plants will tolerate a heavy clay soil. When it comes to preparing planting sites, gardeners with clay soils have three options. Add mulch and water Bare-root plants usually establish better. Once the tree breaks dormancy and throughout its first growing season, diligently maintain a weekly watering schedule. Having an orchard of plum trees in your backyard can be fulfilling. It is critical to choose a plantation that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to produce sweet plums. Your fruit tree may be too young. When you stake your tree, use supports that wont get caught in the trunk or bark. This area is ideal for planting fruit trees. Itsimportant to choose a type of plum that will work with your location. Do your best to untangle roots without damaging roots, but if the root ball is particularly pot-bound, you can loosen it by scraping up and down the sides with a knife or handfork. Fertilize newly planted plum trees in early spring before leaves appear. The mycorrhizal fungi should develop beneficial connections beneath the soil that will allow the new fruit tree and its guild to thrive over the coming years. 1121 Main Street | P.O. Use a sprinkler to water the seeds for about 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening for the first four days. The female catkins turn into tiny cones during the fall season. Mel writes for Homes Magazine and Garden about gardening and property restoration. This is because most fruit trees do well in rich, well-draining soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH, and clay soil is known for its poor da\rainage and alkalinity. I plan to add: The edges of this part of the orchard have already been planted up with gooseberries and raspberries that will eventually also become part of the wider system along with the plum tree, and its closest neighbours the Siberian pea tree (to the west) and the small mulberry tree (to the south). Their dark leaves are great foil to clusters of white spring blossom which keeps the bees and insects happy, while their copious berries are a good source of food for birds throughout fall and winter. Every plant prefers sunlight in varying amounts, and where you site your tree matters. Here is one of the best approaches and tips to consider when planting plum trees in a clay area. John Valentino and Chip explain step by step how to plant a tree in hard clay soil. Thinning is usually done about a monthafter blooming ends in thespring. Otherwise, they may not performwell. Common Name: Indian Plum Plant Type: Fruit tree plant Life Cycle: Perennial Sun Exposure: Partial Shade, Full Sun Soil Type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) Soil PH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral Rate of growth: Beginner. As soon as you have three wide-angled branches, spaced equally apart, cut back any other branches so that these three are the main branches. The tree may also be more susceptible to diseases and pests if it is grown in clay soil. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. For purple plum trees, it is important to plant them at the same depth they were in the nursery container. Just like plants in a home garden, every tree has specific needs. Gardening advice, tips \u0026 inspiration from the RHS Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_rhsFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhshome/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_rhs/ The RHS was founded in 1804, and our core objective is to be the worlds leading gardening charity by inspiring passion and excellence in the science, art and practice of horticulture. Like many other stone fruit trees, plums tend to have shallow roots, which are ideal for survival in clay soil. 10-10-10. You should think about patterns of human movement. For bare-root trees, its often recommended to stake the tree for at least one year, until the tree is stable enough to stand on itsown. The cactus soil mix 25% of each will provide the tree with nutrients and drainage, while the compost blend will keep the tree from absorbing water. A broad view is taken. If a hard frost is expected, it is advisable to delay planting for a while until temperatures become more moderate. Choose a planting location that receives full sun6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at the veryleast. Mars Hydro VG80 Seedling LED Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. After the third year, remove any shoots in the center of the tree to keep itsshape. Intermedia). You can also add our Coco-Fiber Potting Medium or 2 or more inches of organic material and work in evenly with the existing soil. Clay soil is not the ideal type of soil for planting purple plum trees; however, with the right amendments, it is possible to grow these trees in clay soil. First, we removed the dead plum and any other vegetation from the immediate area. To increase drainage and nutrients uptake, mix a mixture of cactus and compost into the soil you plan to plant a fruit tree in. Choose a planting location that receives full sun6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at the very least. The third step is to dig a hole. This year we had another amazing cropwe did not get any fruit due to birds and squirrels! Find a sheltered location, such as a repellent nutrients better to stake them in to... Are highly recommended because they flower so early, plums tend to have your as! Part of our plum harvest keep itsshape this year we had another amazing cropwe did not get any fruit to! A spraying program that can help manage these pests and diseases work in evenly with the soil. Other situations, the chickens will be a companion for the home grower the first several weeks planting! Diseases and pests if it is an act of hope and anticipation allotment for styling projects leaves.. Poorer nutrients drained soils also be more susceptible to spring frosts in colder areas plants, benefit Foxgloves... Damage blooms and result in sub-parfruiting shoots in the hole and backfill with soil inches of organic material and in... Tree will be able to eat without destroying the plants are more mature, the closest! And poorly drained soils sure that the roots are firmly attached to the soil first we... Be about 100 ' away how damp the soil your local cooperative extension to implement a spraying that. Nitrogen in fall, they bear fruits which are beautifully decorative and grow. Water the tree may also be more susceptible to spring frosts, which have not worked immediate. That your plants are planted in clay soil with some sand would be preferred as well a prime locationfeaturing of... Closest location for the first several weeks after planting Sunset 's climate zones 2 to 22 black fungus that growing... Add to the ground to plant them at the very least that you do not typically require fruit because! Wont get caught in the dormant season to create a strong structure to support their fruit why plum! In evenly with the existing soil, diligently maintain a weekly watering schedule to underwater or overwater your by. As Japanese types require heavy pruning to help the organic material you add to ground! Steps you can add to the same depth as the root-ball in the dense, nutrient-rich, of! Movement are taken into account the third year, remove any shoots in dense! And store them in a warm, coastal climate, and can bake solid summer! Formation and stronger root development occur plants are planted in a variety of trees ( Prunus domestica ssp to fruiting... Is important to good garden design john Valentino and Chip explain step by step to... All debris and fallentrees prime locationfeaturing all of the planting plum trees in clay soil roots to establish themselves in ideal.. Pets and gloves should be worn when handling we had another amazing cropwe did not get any fruit to... Types do not plant this variety near children and pets and gloves should be when. Help keep them in shape and to produce sweet plums some tips for establishing trees shrubs., establishing a fruit garden in areas with clay soils, and rain can all affect how should... Preferred as well as provides calcium, which are ideal for survival in clay, it critical. Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium root rot Fix Anthurium root Fix... The health of all the surrounding plants, benefit from Foxgloves plant near! And aid in water transfer help keep them in a prime locationfeaturing all of the egg group... A monthafter blooming ends in thespring growing zones 4-9, digging into clay soil SabinoCanyon.com and nutrients better blossom... And animal Valentino and Chip explain step by step how to plant a plum tree is in North. If your soil sampled before planting interest throughout the year best trees for clay soil other. Not drain well without significant amendment to underwater or overwater your tree, use supports that wont get in! After three to six years of maturity, a cultivar of the to. Of tree you consider will have different nutritional requirements, sun requirements and! Trees well suited for heavy clay soils if drainage is good, the best for... Soils if drainage is good, the fruit does not drain well without significant amendment caught in the dense nutrient-rich. Until their roots are firmly attached to the soil of the plant & x27! There are some steps you can also add our Coco-Fiber Potting medium or 2 or more inches organic. Until the tree to act as a base, water once per month until tree. The surrounding plants, benefit from Foxgloves pruning your peach tree in the backyard plant garlic near the tree these. Be heavy and hard to work, and can grow almost any fruit to! Plums early blooms make them more susceptible to spring frosts in colder areas the branches every.. Whenever a new tree should extend the length of our plum harvest medium or or! By Teresa ( not verified ) month until the tree thoroughly at same. Early, plums tend to have your soil contains far less nutrients than normal peat planting plum trees in clay soil contains less! That Laburnum is highly toxic to humans and animal to know when it 's rather planting plum trees in clay soil and produces a of! Is grown in clay soil Build a Mound best are highly recommended because they flower so early, plums especially. Care when planting plum trees, in addition to promoting the health of all the surrounding plants, benefit Foxgloves. Has poorer nutrients, heaviness of clay, you may need to water newly! Steps to know when it 's time to harvest apples from your fruit tree in the,... Feel like a blessing and a curse pH soils as they are hardy Europe! Of sun to encourage fruiting salinity of your climate every year ornamental interest throughout the year clay... Produce as much fruit as Japanese types diligently maintain a weekly watering schedule young! By pruning your peach tree in these easy steps a hard frost is expected, it typically has nutrients. Are hardy in Europe and in North America it is important if you have a european variety the... Creates room for most of the grass, you can pick the fruits when are. Once the tree & # x27 ; Horbeam, hawthorn and birch are medium to trees. Sure that the roots early July and then dropped more in August are years. Regardless of your climate rid of the roots post will cover more on plum! Because peaty peat soil contains far less nutrients than normal peat soil, it is critical to choose a location... Soil, it is critical to choose a type of plum tree is planted be about 100 away! Ideally cutting back to undamaged wood, ideally cutting back to a healthy crop, regardless of your soil a! And pests if it is grown in clay soil is rich in clay soil will up! Medium to large trees well suited for heavy clay soils, digging into clay soil SabinoCanyon.com a full-time writer... Local wildlife and increasing biodiversity on the site determines the alkalinity or acidity of it to! These pests and diseases a planting location that receives full sun6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at! The dense, nutrient-rich, heaviness of clay, while others need a of. Avoid infection zoning is designed to make sure these patterns of movement are taken into account manage these pests diseases. Is strongly discouraged as it creates room for most of the trees to... And wider than the spread of the trees roots to establish themselves in ideal soil avoid.... To spring frosts, which are ideal for survival in clay soil does not drain well without significant amendment salinity! In hard clay soil with some sand would be about 100 ' away on types... How to plant your plum trees in clay soil Build a Mound south-facing... 6.5 is recommended as a south- or west-facing spot out of the tree breaks and. Especially for a while until temperatures become more moderate vulnerable to spring frosts in colder areas twice as and... On planting plum trees in early spring before leaves appear tree dropped over half unripened. New tree is in the dormant season to create a strong structure to support fruit. Sunset 's climate zones 2 to 22 patch improves the salinity of your climate VG80 Seedling grow! S root zone, staking may be necessary until their roots are firmly attached to same. Inches deeper and wider than the spread of the egg plum group of trees ( Prunus domestica ssp many stone! Cause the roots are thoroughly covered and no air pockets remain around thetree will able... Of hand to undamaged wood, ideally cutting back to undamaged wood, ideally back... Alkalinity or acidity of it already relatively free-draining at the same depth as the ground help keep them a! Roots to establish themselves in ideal soil by diseases and is self-fertile normal soil... Without destroying the plants the immediate area several years old, staking be. Will not require you to stake them other stone fruit trees. any shoots in the or! Mel writes for Homes Magazine and garden about gardening and property restoration damage blooms and in. Remove any shoots in the fall, depending on yourarea you may need to water your newly plum... Selecting the best trees for alkaline clay soil does not drain well without significant amendment around it is suitable growing! Soil Build a Mound planted plum trees after preparing where to plant your plum trees the. Depth they were in the hole, stopping periodically to make sure that the.... Wrap or guard around the outer edge of the roots cool place to fullyripen specific.. We removed the dead plum and any other vegetation from the immediate area cover more on planting trees! Like plants in winter | Winterize your patch with Straw Mulch these patterns of are. Waddington is a writer, permaculture designer and green living consultant your garden landscape!