[Zippy]

I have just planted a new (first year) damson tree. there are four main branches from the trunk in a crown. Three of them branch outwards from the crown but the fourth one grows across the top of the crown and is heading the wrong way so it will eventually be a cross over branch.

It is late February. Should I prune this branch out before it gets much bigger now or should I wait iuntil early summer?

What chance is there do you think of me re-training this branch to grow outward using stout wire instead of pruning it?

[gillie]

If you try to retrain it it may snap, either now or much later so I would cut out the offending branch in the Spring once the sap has started to rise so that the wound heals quickly.  Apart from that I would not prune a damson.

[Aunt Sally]

As Gillie says do NOT prune in winter the risk of silverleaf is too great.  Prune in summer only.  It's a good idea to seal the wound with Arbrex if you have any.

[Rangerkris]

I asked about sealing the wound on fruit and Brogdale said they don't bother anymore 

[Aunt Sally]

I know they don't Kris.  Advice changes all the time but if you have some I would certainly use it on a plum or cherry - even though the experts don't.

[Rangerkris]

I just had a MSN message from my mother-inlaw she has got us a cherry tree today for the plot woo hoo.  Yes advice changes all the time i guess they don't due to the amount of tree's they have to do i don't know.

[Zippy]

all good advice - thank you. I'll stay my secateurs for a few more months.