Nirts LaDuff

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====== Ornamental Plum ======

[[garden:blossom_triangle|← Back to Blossom Triangle]]

[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/126f19e1-6330-49a7-88c4-a33cd1422813|{{garden:blossom_triangle:mar20_plum_blossom.jpg|Ornamental Plum in full bloom, March 2026}}]]

===== Overview =====

Mature ornamental plum blossom tree, unpruned for several years. Blooms pale pink in early spring (mid-March). Located near the stone steps.

===== Gallery — March 2026 =====

[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/126f19e1-6330-49a7-88c4-a33cd1422813|{{garden:blossom_triangle:mar20_plum_blossom.jpg|Ornamental Plum — full tree in bloom against blue sky, March 20 2026}}]]

//Above: Full tree in peak bloom against a blue sky, March 20, 2026. The large spruce of the [[garden:spruce_patch|Spruce Patch]] is visible to the right.//

[[https://immich.macduff.info/photos/a51d6fe4-f6c4-4b99-9401-327a171d5ef8|{{garden:blossom_triangle:mar20_different_angle_of_plum_blossom.jpg|Ornamental Plum — view from house side, March 20 2026}}]]

//Above: View from the house side looking toward the tree — showing its position relative to the lawn and the conifer backdrop.//

===== Pruning Plan =====

==== Key Observations ====

  * Multiple competing leaders fighting for dominance
  * Crossing and rubbing branches throughout the canopy
  * Some dead/bare interior branches
  * Dense, tangled canopy center

==== Rules to Follow ====

  * **Never remove more than 25–30% of the canopy in a single season**
  * Always cut back to a lateral branch, bud, or the collar — never leave stubs
  * Use sharp, clean tools — sterilize between cuts if you see any dieback
  * **Timing: prune right after bloom finishes** (late March / early April) — not fall or winter, to minimize disease entry points for PNW fungal disease

==== This Year (right after bloom) ====

  - Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches first
  - Pick the strongest 1–2 leaders and remove competing upright stems that cross or crowd them
  - Cut out branches that cross and rub (remove the weaker one)
  - Open up the center to improve airflow — reduces fungal disease risk

==== Future Years ====

Light annual shaping right after bloom to maintain shape and prevent returning to this state.

===== References =====

  * //The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers// — George E. Brown (revised by Tony Kirkham)
  * [[https://extension.wsu.edu|WSU Extension]] ornamental tree pruning guides
  * [[https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/pruning-guide|RHS pruning guides for ornamental Prunus]]