Pluot treesāthose delicious crosses between plums and apricotsādeserve some TLC in early spring to perform their best. With a little prep now, your pluot tree will be loaded with juicy, sweet fruit by summer. Here are the Top 5 things you should do this spring to ensure a healthy, productive harvest.
1. Prune to Shape and Strengthen
Before your pluot tree breaks dormancy, prune to remove:
- Dead or diseased wood,
- Suckers or water sprouts,
- Crowded or crossing branches.
Shape the canopy to allow airflow and sunlight, which helps reduce disease and supports strong fruit development. A well-pruned tree is easier to manage and harvest.
2. Apply Dormant Oil or Copper Spray
Pluot trees are susceptible to leaf curl, brown rot, and scale insects, especially coming out of winter. Apply a dormant oil spray or copper fungicide just before the buds begin to swell. This prevents pest and disease issues before they start.
Apply on a dry day with temperatures above 40°F and no rain in the forecast.
3. Fertilize with a Balanced Blend
Feed your pluot tree a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or an organic option like composted manure or a fruit tree mix. Apply in early spring to encourage lush growth and healthy bud formation.
Water in thoroughly and spread fertilizer in a wide ring under the canopy, not directly against the trunk.
4. Mulch to Retain Moisture and Suppress Weeds
Mulching is a must for pluots. After weeding, apply a 2ā3 inch layer of mulch around the baseākeeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
Mulch:
- Retains soil moisture,
- Regulates temperature,
- Prevents weed competition, and
- Improves soil health.
5. Inspect for Damage and Check Grafts
Look for:
- Bark splitting, pest damage, or sunscald,
- Weak or broken limbs,
- Suckers from below the graft line.
Secure or replace any tree supports and ensure your tree is well-anchored for spring storms. Remove any suckers to direct energy into fruit production.
š Ready to Plant a Pluot Tree?
At Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC, we offer top-tier bare-root pluot trees shipped directly to your door. Our trees are vigorous, hand-selected, and covered by our 1-Year Plantsurance Guaranteeābecause your garden deserves success without the stress.
š Shop Pluot Trees Now


Leave a comment