DamsonTree seedling for bonsai

Damson trees cannot stand being shaded and their own lower branches tend to die back when they become deprived of light by growing branches above. Generally they are best left without pruning apart from thinning dead under-timber and cutting back to keep the tree to manageable proportions. However, damson trees are not particularly susceptible to rot nor infection and so large branches can be cut back without harm to the tree.

The productive life of a tree is about 50 years. Older trees become susceptible to the weight of snow and to gales, the branches splitting away. However, if part of a tree remains, it may grow new vigorous shoots and continue to crop well.

They may not grow true from damson stones. The best way to propagate them is to dig up and replant the numerous small suckers that spring up from the roots of older trees. Young trees need protection if the area is accessible to deer or sheep.

Damsons are self-fertilising, but may crop better if planted in groups about 4 to 5 metres apart. Suckers should crop when they are about 8 years old.