If you want to keep the size of your plum tree under control, Laura Sweany a horticulturist from Raintree Nursery (opens in new tab) advises that summer pruning might be best. ‘Established trees, however, are best pruned in midsummer.’ ‘It’s best to prune young plums in early spring, before what is known as bud break, as this will protect from the possibility of infection by silverleaf disease,’ explains Mark Hewett. The exact time to prune will depend upon the age of the tree. ‘If you prune outside this period you risk exposing the plant to infection by silverleaf and bacterial canker, both of which can be serious.’ ‘Like all stone fruits, plum trees should only be pruned in their growing season, namely from April to August,’ says Monty Don. In fall and early winter, the tree’s dry and oxygen-rich wood make it an ideal host for fungi. In spring and early summer, the trees resources are devoted to growth, so it is less resilient to disease. If starting with a maiden, prune the main stem back by 1/3 of its length.Summertime, when plum trees are strong and rich in resources is the best time for pruning as the trees are able to recover quickly. Any side branches that are less than 15cm can be left unpruned. Prune back the main stem to 15cm above a side branch. If starting with a feathered maiden, prune all side branches back to 10cm. See our website for details on how to train the new growth for these forms. Prune the tree down to around 35 – 45cm from the ground. This is generally between 1m – 1.5m from the ground. Reduce the main stem to a height at which you would like side branches to form. If you want to create a centre-leader tree (Christmas tree shape) then prune the main stem back to 15-20cm above an existing side branch.īy pruning the main stem back you will encourage side branches to grow in the following summer. If you want to create a goblet shaped tree (open centre) then prune the main stem back to an existing side branch. If the branches are less than 15cm then leave them unpruned. Eg, a 50cm side branch can be pruned back to 25cm.
You can prune back any side branches that are longer than 15cm by half their length. Prune plum, gage, damson and cherry trees as below during the months May – July. Prune apple, pear, quince and medlar trees as below during the months Dec – March.
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