When a prized plum tree suddenly loses its main stem, it can leave a gardener feeling perplexed. This was the dilemma faced by a Canadian gardener who saw the central leader of their young Compass plum tree die off, only to be replaced by a cluster of competing branches. The question is a common one in horticultural circles: can the tree be saved and returned to its intended form?
The Importance of a Single Leader
For optimal structure and health, plum trees ideally develop with one central branch, or leader, forming the primary trunk. This dominant stem promotes strong, upright growth and helps prevent structural weaknesses that can occur with multiple main branches. When the original leader on the Compass plum died, it disrupted this natural form, but the situation is far from hopeless.
A Step-by-Step Rescue Plan
The rehabilitation process begins with a careful assessment. From the several branches that emerged about 50 centimeters above the ground, the gardener must select the strongest and healthiest candidate to become the new leader. This chosen branch will become the future backbone of the tree.
The next phase involves providing sturdy support. A robust stake, such as a 1 to 1.5-meter length of 10 mm rebar, should be firmly secured to the existing trunk. This stake must be rigid and well-anchored, as it will bear significant pressure during the training process.
The Gentle Art of Branch Training
With the stake in place, the delicate work of guiding the branch begins. The selected branch should be gently and gradually bent toward the stake and tied securely in several spots. It is crucial to avoid forcing the branch to the point of cracking. This initial bending is just the first of several adjustments that will be needed over time.
Patience is the gardener's most vital tool. After about a month, the ties should be loosened, and the branch should be pulled a little closer to the stake before being re-secured. This incremental process may need to be repeated 3 to 4 times over several months until the branch stands erect. The training should commence in spring when buds swell and branches are most pliable.
Once the new leader is successfully upright, it must remain tied to the stake for the remainder of the growing season and through the following winter. This extended support teaches the branch to maintain its dominant, vertical position.
Shaping the Tree's Future
After the new leader is firmly established, the tree's form can be further refined. The following spring, the top of the leader can be clipped to encourage side branching. This careful pruning will help develop a balanced, attractive canopy. With consistent care, a well-formed, single-leader tree can be achieved within two growing seasons.
This entire process underscores a key principle of arboriculture: many tree problems have solutions, but they often require a blend of knowledge, the right materials, and a generous measure of patience. For ongoing gardening advice, readers can follow the weekly Growing Things Outdoors column online or reach out with their own horticultural questions.
