Krauter Plum trimming?

[BillK]

If I post a few pics of the 2 smallish (15-20') tall Krauter plums in my front yard could someone give me some tips on trimming them this fall so they have a nicer shape than they do now? Or possibly direct me to some links with tips?

I don't want to butcher them - but had a "landscape" guy (not an arborist) trim them a couple years back and haven't been happy with how they look since. I have a Stihl Kombi with the tree pruner attachment if you guys feel it is a DIY kinda job.

Assuming it may be hard to get advice until the leaves drop - but I'd guess you still need to see them with foliage to get a idea of the shape.

Thanks in advance!

Bill

Added some pics...

 

[jefflovstrom]

Yeah, call a local arborist and have him show you,(lol), or call a local arborist and have him give you a bid. Either way is better than us telling you. We are not there and those are the nicest of purple plum's. Why not have them taking care of properly?
Jeff

 

[pdqdl]

You should be able to do this without any trouble. Do your "due diligence", study up a bit, and have at it!

Your only problem with their appearance is the occasional branches that are growing out a bit too far, right? Please keep in mind that these trees don't know that they are supposed to keep you satisfied by maintaining a perfect globe shape. They are living organisms, and they grow fastest where they feel like it. So...you need to let them know where they should and should not grow quickly to keep you happy.

You will do well to get an inexpensive pole saw, then carefully prune back any branches that you think are growing too fast compared to the rest of the tree. Pick the tallest twig, or perhaps a small branch, then follow it back to where it joins up with the rest of the tree. Here is the important part: Imagine what that tree will look like when you cut it off.

Will you leave a giant gaping hole? Then don't cut there!

Will you like how the tree will look when you cut that branch off? If so, then prune carefully so as not to damage the rest of the tree.

By making small cuts on the limb that is growing too fast, you will be doing what is called "subordination". Basically, you are taking bites out of the tree on the branches that you wish to suppress a little bit. Make small cuts, evaluate the tree, wait a month or two, then make another cut. These are relatively small trees, and you have no need to hurry. Small mistakes are easy to overlook, and the tree will nearly always recover. Big cuts or taking everything you don't like all at once are not so good for the tree.

Read up on these topics: lateral pruning, branch bark collar, subordination trimming.

 

[BillK]

Thanks to both of you for the replies.

If I would decide to just hire a local Arborist - what do you guys feel would be a reasonable price for this job?

 

[jefflovstrom]

Judging only by the pic's and not knowing your economic area, I would say no more than $300 for both, but could be less maybe.
Jeff

 

[pdqdl]

Yep. I'd go do it for that quote. Perhaps 1/2 that, depending on distance to our shop, other details.

Proof once again, that great minds think alike.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Yep. I'd go do it for that quote. Perhaps 1/2 that, depending on distance to our shop, other details.

Proof once again, that great minds think alike.

You love me, I can tell.
Jeff

 

[beastmaster]

I would think twice about trimming them your self. If done perfect they're beautiful specimen trees that make a statement. If done incorrectly they make a statement too. Spend the money and practice on some back yard trees if you feel the need.
Most trees are predisposed to a genetic shape. I can't help but wonder what was done to them before.
If they were done poorly before by the landscaper,(good rule:Never let gardeners trim your trees)they'll need special care now to start growing properly. It's hard to say, but if they were done serverly could be a lot of sucker growth that may have to be removed, and a new foundation may have to be interduced to bring back their natrual growing pattern.
Granted tree trimming isn't rocket science, but if you want nice results hire a professional.