Old damson tree

[Bal]

Hi guys have just discovered a very tasty damson tree in the hedgerow at the bottom of the paddock. It has been cut back but not down. So the branches that bear fruit are very tall how do I prune it to bring it back to a manageable size and to encourage side branches back again thanks

[Bigmallly]

There may be some helpful info here Bal:

http://www.daiv.co.uk/guidetodamsons.php

[janzbro]

I would have a word with the farmer that cuts the hedgerows if you see him and tell him to leave it alone or put big "do not cut" signs on it, failing that put scaffold poles around /through it so they wont cut it as farmers are pig headed (well the ones ive met are) no doubt they will want money for not cutting it. LOL

Sorry pruning involves a very long ladder and dont do it till summer as stone fruit are susceptible to silver leaf if pruned too early - late spring at earliest

does it border yours and his land? what side is the trunk on ?

[Bigmallly]

You could also try a bit of Festooning Bal, I'm so glad I used this method:

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ags_85113.html

[Bal]

I would have a word with the farmer that cuts the hedgerows if you see him and tell him to leave it alone or put big "do not cut" signs on it, failing that put scaffold poles around /through it so they wont cut it as farmers are pig headed (well the ones ive met are) no doubt they will want money for not cutting it. LOL

Sorry pruning involves a very long ladder and dont do it till summer as stone fruit are susceptible to silver leaf if pruned too early - late spring at earliest

does it border yours and his land? what side is the trunk on ?

Th tree is in our paddock but is usually cut for us by the farmer. I can tell him to just leave that part of the paddock. We have only recently moved in here and for the first 18 months didn't even use the paddock, so didn't discover the tree.

Since putting the horse in there have noticed a line of them stretching into next doors paddock too. The two or three that I managed to pick were delicious. Was relieved to find they didn't upset the horses digestion as she had eaten them before I even knew the were there!

[Bal]

Thanks for the advice guys