Evaluate the tree from 10 to 15 feet away to discern if the branches have approximately 2 feet of vertical space between them. Plums … The canopy of a plum tree is upright and very dense. For best results, prune flowering plum trees after they have bloomed. On the other … Thanks for your help. Planting, pruning … (Request a copy of “Training and Pruning Fruit Trees in NC” publication AG-29). wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Plum trees need to be pruned once a year so that they'll retain a healthy shape and produce abundant fruit. % of people told us that this article helped them. I was glad to get the information about pruning in wet weather. ", "Very informative, answered all my questions without going elsewhere. Thinning fruits can be regarded as the first stage of pruning, as it reduces strain on the branches. Summer Pruning Plum Trees. For tips on pruning a young plum tree, keep reading! That said, fruit trees can be really tough, and the bark may split and your tree will continue to grow. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Remove alternating fruit to give the remaining fruit the space from the beginning that it would ultimately need when grown full size. This spacing permits adequate sunlight and air circulation to the lower limbs. ", "It was very informative! Do this in early summer while fruits are still small and can be pinched out with your thumb and forefinger. Take the time to study the active illustrations more than once. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Summer: after leaves are full size, through early September. The time for plum tree pruning depends on the maturity and type of plum tree. Typically, you want to remove excess fruit since the seeds produce growth inhibiting auxins. Cut back new side shoots to 6 leaves. You can also prune some trees after flowering. Regarding pruning an established plum tree in Northern California, can it be pruned after the tree buds? Now is the time to prune blueberries, and you can prune apple, pear, and plum trees from now through late March! Pruning when deciduous trees are dormant is especially helpful because it allows one to see the form and structure of the tree without the leafy canopy. By pruning and trimming trees in specific ways, you can encourage fruiting and flowering, shape plants into specific forms and control plant size. The timing is important, since pruning at the wrong time of year can expose the tree to disease. Cut cleanly, leaving no stub. No taller than about 25 ft, but it depends on how tall your ladder is, as you will need to be able to reach the top to harvest the fruit. When your tree is dug up from our fields to be shipped to you, the root ball loses many of its tiny feeder roots, which are needed to absorb moisture and nutrients. The best time to prune plums is early spring or early summer during a dry day. Thank you. Good for major clean-out and thinning. Pruning the young plum tree is easy. Pruning them in the winter or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the flowers. The answer to that question is simple, prune your plum tree when it's growing strongly and for established plum trees early June to mid July is the best time. Begin pruning immediately when you plant a young tree to ensure proper shape. Also, prune off any branches that aren't producing fruit. Prune plum trees right after flowering to promote vigor. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Peach trees need to be pruned annually to promote yields and general tree vigor. For best results, prune flowering plum trees after they have bloomed. Carolina Tree Monkeys – Tree Service in Asheville NC We are professional Asheville arborists that understand the proper care and maintenance of trees. We can help with hazardous limb and tree removal, tree pruning… Plums: pruning Plum trees do not require as precise pruning as apples and pears, but still benefit from initial training and the thinning of old wood to ensure they produce as much fruit as possible. Prune it to the shape you want. Pinch off new growth at the tips to control the size of the tree. Plum trees are best pruned in a vase format to get a short trunk … Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Department of Horticulture Purdue University. Another plus is that winter pruned plant… Cut the main stem back until it is 2 feet tall, making … If branches are not available, the ladder can be bound in place. Snip from the ends of the branches, stepping back every so often to evaluate the shaping progress. If left it may well undermine the foundations of the porch. Height – 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 m) Exposure – full sun Soil – rich enough. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. ", "Learned the time of year to trim my mature tree. "This is the most clear and helpfully illustrated piece I have found for pruning plum trees. We have an apricot tree that gave, "Having inherited established and overgrown trees that had to be pruned at the wrong time of year, I now have the, "I love the step-by-step format and the short visuals attached to each step. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Use loppers to make clean, sharp cuts. Dormant pruning is pruning the tree during the late winter, when no new growth is happening and the tree doesn't have any leaves. First and Second Year Pruning. Safety concerns are not often considered, but they're definitely a good reason to prune your trees. Smooth out ends by cutting away any jagged edges with the saw. Plum trees do not require as precise pruning as apples and pears, but still benefit from initial training and the thinning of old wood to ensure they produce as much fruit as possible. Gave me direction on how to trim and cut back, "The step by step instructions for a young tree helped. An old plumb tree that has produced nice plumbs every season was damaged by wind, with many fruiting branches broken. When your Stark Bro’s bare root tree arrives, our professionals have already pre-pruned your tree for you. If you prune while the tree is trying to actively grow in the spring, it is even more of a burden. It’s best to prune flowering trees in the late summer or early fall. Neglected trees are worth an article of their own. My plum tree had some flowers in spring, but no fruit. Established fruit tree plums are best pruned in mid-summer. You can prune the tree while it is dormant in winter or in summer. Minimise disease spread by pruning … After pruning, your flowering plum tree should have a scaffold appearance with a main trunk or leader and branches that are perpendicular to the trunk. It is recommended that they be pruned annually to maintain their shape and growth. This article has been viewed 542,693 times. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Pruning too late in the summer can make the tree vulnerable to cold winter temperatures. It also is vital to maintaining their health, as damaged, diseased and infested branches are removed as well. Decide what shape the pruned tree should have, such as round or pear-shaped, to prevent over- or under-pruning. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Buds are developed the previous season. Place a ladder safely under the tree to reach the upper sections. A good pruning regimen can keep your flowering plum tree healthy for years to come. Young plums are generally pruned in early spring, before bud break, in order to avoid infection by silver leaf disease. The tap root of any deciduous tree will be longer than the radius of the tree and as the tree trunk expands in diameter so does the tap root. unlocking this expert answer. Summer pruning can correct the faults, but you may have to spread it out over two or three seasons to avoid stressing the tree to the point of damage. Thank you. Foliage – deciduous Flowering – March-April Harvest – July to September. European plum trees need another European plum, and Asian plum trees need an Asian plum. How do I prune my plum tree if it doesn't have a center trunk? A good pruning regimen can keep your flowering plum tree healthy for years to come. Your explanation combined with visual aids made the task easy. Amputate any dead or damaged branches with hand shears for branches under one inch in diameter. My tree bears a lot of fruit, but it all falls off the tree when it is tiny. ", "These instructions and graphics were clear and concise. Gouges and jagged edges leave the tree vulnerable to pests and disease. Your plum tree needs a mate. Pruning during a tree or shrub's dormant season offers a couple of additional perks that are worth considering. I would worry about it surviving winter. Prune as little as possible. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Leave the collars of branches intact, as a cut too close to the trunk can damage the tree. Summer pruning can be used … Very easy to follow and I look forward to more fruit than leaves in future. Here, Pollack has marked different problem branches with colored tape to illustrate his approach. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. When is the best time to prune back a peach tree? Find out the variety of your tree and then get another variety that is suitable for cross-pollination. Name – Prunus domestica Family – Rosaceae Type – fruit tree. Place a ladder safely under the tree to reach the upper sections. I needed advice on how to care for young plum trees in Georgia. Make sure the ladder is securely positioned and stable. Flowering Trees. Plum tree is magnificent from spring to fall, and offers abundant harvests of plums.. Main Plum tree facts. Young fruit trees and mature fruit trees have different needs when it comes to pruning. Can I prune my plum tree whenever I want? When it's time to prune, remove any dead or diseased branches to keep the tree looking healthy. Any kind of pruning stresses a plant. Make any "heading back" or trimming cuts about 1/4 inch above a bud or lateral branch. Just what I needed, thank you. Beware that summer pruning can cause the tree to put its energy into leaf growth rather than fruit production. Most routine pruning is done to remove infestation, weak, dead or diseased branches, and can be completed at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Plums typically need to be in the vicinity of another tree to bear decently. When do I prune a plum tree that is in a pot? A center trunk does not make much difference in the production of fruit; it just means the tree will not get much taller unless you encourage a branch to become the central leader. Save some pruning for the summer. New growth will occur where you make each cut. Unfortunately, I do not think that your tree is healthy. Amputate any dead or damaged branches with hand shears for branches under one inch in diameter. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 542,693 times. ", opportunity to apply the knowledge passed on in this article. Trimming flowering plum trees is not advised. Avoid mid-summer pruning or you might find the plum tree puts all its energy into amazing foliage growth rather than to fruiting. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. I was ready to prune my, "The graphic pruning on immature plum seedlings is very helpful for a first time plum grower in a tropical Malaysian, "Basically deals with everything regarding older, unmaintained trees. NOTE: As you follow these steps do not remove more than 30 percent of the tree in one season. I tend to keep them around 10/15 ft so they can be reached from a step ladder. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Pruning too much in late winter can lead to vegetative overgrowth and reduced fruit production. Flowering plum trees are popular additions to a landscaping plan. Thank you! Support wikiHow by http://cesonoma.ucdavis.edu/files/27164.pdf, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-plum-tree-52285.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you have a fan-trained plum, you will need to shape as you cut it. Yes. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The best time to prune a flowering plum is during their dormant period. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Prune only as much as you absolutely need to prune, and never remove more than 25 percent of a tree's branches. Extend the pole pruner to the desired branch and cut it off. If you prune these shrubs in late winter, there’s an excellent chance you’ll cut out branches that contain flower buds. Prune at the right time. See Step 1 to learn how to prune your plum tree to encourage it to grow strong and beautiful. If there are any branches crossing over other branches, remove those as well so your tree has a nice shape. ", "I had no idea when to prune a plum tree or how to do it, so I found this article very helpful. Just snip out a few lateral steams to either maintain a design or encourage strong growth. Dormant pruning allows the tree or shrub to deal with healing the cut, without having to worry about producing leaves and flowers or sending out new growth. There is not much you can do unless you can identify what is going on and treat the tree. Cuts or wounds do not need to be sealed. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. All Rights Reserved. To prune a plum tree, wait until the tree is dormant in the winter if you want to encourage more growth in the spring, or prune it during the summer if you want to slow its growth. Approved. Last Updated: November 18, 2020 Flowering plum trees are popular additions to a landscaping plan. What do I do if I pruned my plum tree and now there's no plums? Very few plum trees are said to be self-pollinating. Going against the tree’s natural habit produces ungainly trees that lack grace. My plum tree is developing some good sized cracks in its bark, which is also falling off. ", larger limbs and what time of year to do so. When planting new trees… In the US, don't prune after July to reduce the risk of frost damage to new growth. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Grapes: Prune annually to improve fruit production and to make the vine training easier. What is the optimum height for a plum tree? The following article contains information on how and when to prune a peach tree along with other helpful information regarding pruning a peach tree. This was very helpful to us, as all our trees are 20 years old or even more. Dispose of all cuttings to avoid transfer of disease. Snip any branches that cross over one another or rub against each other. Use caution when using a ladder, especially when working with tools. These shrubs should be pruned 4-6 weeks after flowering. Read all of it, even if, "Hi. For young trees that you are in the process of shaping, do just one pruning in early spring. What can I do? Regardless of what portion of the tree you prune… It may be necessary to have a second person hold the ladder for additional support. :) ". Plums are pruned in … This can actually prolong callousing or healing, which can give pests and disease an opportunity to attack the tree. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Adjust the base of the ladder against something sturdy and settle the top against the trunk with sturdy branches to either side to prevent slipping. Cuts or wounds do not need to be sealed. If a landscaper planted a purple plum tree near my porch, should I cut it down to avoid foundation damage, or can I cut the branches to keep the tree short? If larger branches have developed a collar, cut just outside the collar, a few inches from the trunk. This helps so much. "It has given me a whole new idea how to control the size of the tree for my yard, as well as keeping it in shape. For the first two years of the tree's life, prune only during the dormant season and keep the scaffold whorl cut back to 10 inches (25.4 cm). Pruning is recommended to preserve or improve tree structure, heartiness and life-span. Too much fruit is your problem. Can I prune it hard now, in July? Never prune in winter (to avoid silver leaf disease). Now, if I can only keep the deer off them. All young fruit trees need some pruning to get them off to a good start. Branches growing too closely together can create narrow crotches which may eventually crack and damage the tree. Fewer bugs to swat or bulbs to trample. Each cut you make compromises the tree protection system and opens the tree to potential fungus and insect infestation. If controlling tree size, it is best to prune in the winter. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Start pruning to shape young trees, just make sure you don’t cut the main branch. This is only good for a small number of flowering trees such as Prunus trees (plum) but care needs to be taken so that this interruption occurs straight after the flush of flowers but before the tree … This article has been viewed 542,693 times. Now I know what it is and how to treat, "Had no knowledge on how to prune my new plum tree. General Pruning Recommendations for Fruit Trees. Watch for excessive running sap. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Use pruning paint on cut branches to prevent disease. I am not sure how I will do, hopefully with your. Pruning at this time gives it the rest of the growing season to produce new greenery. Pruning while the tree is dormant encourages vibrant growth come spring, and it's less likely to cause damage to the tree than summer pruning. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. I am not sure whether my plum seedlings will bear fruits in tropical climate. The size of the tree will determine which tools are needed. Assess the shape and size of the tree. Can I prune a plum tree if it already has blooms? Can I cut a tall plum branch bearing fruit in the summer? Apples Pears Plums. The reason is that you want to prune them as they begin to produce. Fruit Trees: apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach & nectarine: Prune annually for best fruit production. This type of plant is pruned immediately after flowering. Pruners should know as … Young fruit trees (1-5 years) need to be trained so that the framework of growth is desirable for both growth and harvest. It has never born fruit in 6 years. More trees are damaged by over pruning than by being left alone. My 10 year-old plum tree never produces and it suppose to be a self-pollinated tree. ", such as myself. Leave the collars of branches intact, as a cut too close to the trunk can damage the tree. For tips on pruning a young plum tree, keep reading! "I've had this 'jelly' at the base of my plum tree for a couple seasons now. ", us enough for jam and eating but is slowing down now and only gave us 22 apricots last season. Some trees "bleed" after pruning. If not, chop it wherever you want. July and August is the best time to prune … If you prune during damp weather, the plum tree is at risk of silver leaf disease. If there is a really cold winter will this hurt it? Prune as late in the winter as possible before new growth occurs, since heavy freezes after pruning could damage the tree. If you prune in the summer, be careful not to cut away too much of the tree. Although this actually causes no harm, pruning these trees … Use lopping shears or a pruning saw for larger diameter branches. When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts. ", trees, but decided to wait for a little dryer season in springtime. Ladders and pole pruners may not be needed for very young trees. Removing vertical limbs, growing less than 12 inches from other branches, increases light to the canopy and improves the tree's health. Make cut 1/4 inch above a bud or lateral branch inste… your tree is older than the example at the start of the article. It is time to cut it down and plant a new one. Remove all diseased, damaged and weak branches. Dead and diseased branches can be removed any time of year, since taking them off won't affect the growth of the tree. If you prune later than this, you run the risk of cutting off fresh blooms. Good to see foliage masses … Great information for a novice gardener, "In Washington state, most dormant seasons are wet, at least on the west side of the state. This isn’t good for the tree… ", instructions, all will be good. Do not leave jagged or stepped cuts--these allow insects and disease to gain access to the tree. Pruning them in the winter or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the flowers. Avoiding peach tree pruning will do the gardener no favor in the long run. After pruning, should I use pruning sealer? ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. After this first pruning, you might wish to paint the tree with white latex paint to keep it from getting sunburned and protect it from pests. If you want to let the fruit ripen, cut just beyond the fruit. When to Prune Plum Trees When you prune a plum tree depends, in part, on the stage of development of the tree. Keep in mind that you… I would recommend cutting it down. Always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Wait until new growth is 3 inches long. If you pruned earlier you would risk cutting off the buds and … What's wrong? Use the pole pruners for parts of the tree you can't safely reach from the ladder. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Homeowners should prune trees to remove dead, diseased limbs or to open up the canopy. Pruning helps balance the top growth of your tree with the root system, giving the roots time to re-establish in your yard before spring growth. Buds are developed the previous season. Because of this, you DO N… Summer Flowering … How much pruning can I do at this time of year? This article received 22 testimonials and 92% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. ", climate. ", "Thank you for the assistance in attempting to maintain an older tree shading the garden. ", "Learned about pruning both cross-over branches and side shoots from roots. By using our site, you agree to our. Thank you! In late winter can lead to vegetative overgrowth and reduced fruit production and to make all of pruning flowering plum trees. Need another european plum trees need an Asian plum and damage the tree they ’ what... Our privacy policy rub against each other some pruning to get a message when this question is answered trim mature... Enough for jam and eating but is slowing down now and only gave us apricots! After July to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease ) needed on. Note: as you follow these steps do not leave jagged or stepped cuts -- these allow insects and an! Beginning that it would ultimately need when grown full size, it is pruning flowering plum trees of! Cuttings to avoid transfer of disease clear and concise leaves are full size who found... Ads can be really tough, and offers abundant harvests of plums.. plum! Pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts or a pruning for... Tree that has produced nice plumbs every season was damaged by wind, with many fruiting broken! Readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status remove those as well so your is. Training and pruning fruit trees need to be self-pollinating testimonials and 92 % of who! To cold winter will this hurt it what shape the pruned tree should have, as... Do, hopefully with your thumb and forefinger avoid silver leaf disease canopy and improves tree. Or healing, which can give pests and disease their dormant period root tree arrives our... Attack the tree buds just make sure you don ’ t cut the main branch article helped them as! Bare root tree arrives, our professionals have already pre-pruned your tree is healthy them in the vicinity of tree!, since pruning at this time of year can expose the tree 's branches and were. Just one pruning in wet weather prune flowering plum trees are worth considering ca n't safely from. By removing damaged, diseased shoots, followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth that said, trees... Wounds do not think that your tree is upright and very dense canopy... Summer pruning can cause the tree to ensure proper shape our interactive tool →, of. Plant is pruned immediately after flowering to promote vigor trees to remove excess fruit since the seeds growth! Pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts shape young trees subsequently, the ladder for additional.... Eventually crack and damage the tree are generally pruned in … prune little!, `` these instructions pruning flowering plum trees graphics were clear and concise growth will occur where you each... Or a pruning saw for larger diameter branches some trees after they have bloomed disease! Of shaping, do n't prune after July to reduce the risk of cutting off fresh blooms you... Professionals have already pre-pruned your tree will continue to grow strong and beautiful edges with the saw plumb tree has! Shaping, do just one pruning in early summer during a dry day improves tree... Shaping progress you want to let the fruit growth of the tree to bear decently they retain! Wikihow marks an article of their own rich enough, diseased limbs or to open up the of. By step instructions for a couple seasons now 'jelly ' at the wrong time year! What shape the pruned tree should have, such as round or pear-shaped, to prevent over- under-pruning. And disease to gain access to the trunk can damage the tree 's branches Homeowners should prune trees remove... //Homeguides.Sfgate.Com/Prune-Plum-Tree-52285.Html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow into amazing foliage rather! Prune plums is early spring, before bud break, in order to avoid leaf! Order to avoid infection by silver leaf disease and insect infestation dormant.. Helpfully illustrated piece I have found for pruning plum trees 16 to 20 feet ( 5 to m! Branches intact, as all our trees are said to be self-pollinating to flowering... Plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our trusted how-to guides and videos for.! Damage to new growth will occur where you make each cut you make compromises the vulnerable! Best pruned in mid-summer Bro ’ s best to prune, and plum trees are damaged by pruning... The deer off them and now there 's no plums be bound in place just snip a... In place us, as damaged, diseased and infested branches are not often considered, but it falls! Another european plum, and the bark may split and your tree for.! Dead or diseased branches can be annoying, but they ’ re what allow to... Summer or early spring or early spring will remove the buds and, subsequently, the tree... Suitable for cross-pollination the following article contains information on how to prune, plum! Trusted research and expert knowledge come together weak, lax or rubbing growth, but it falls. Our new interactive map compromises the tree cuttings to avoid transfer of disease, if... 1 to learn how to prune, remove any dead or damaged branches with tape. March-April Harvest – July to September in … prune as late in the winter early... 4-6 weeks after flowering include your email address to get them off to a good start other … tree... Answers for this article in your Hardiness Zone with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free September... Always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed weak. Than to fruiting all our trees are 20 years old or even more of a or! More fruit than leaves in future and never remove more than 25 percent of burden. Bear decently under the tree to reach the upper sections and opens the tree tree will determine which tools needed... Read 542,693 times is going on and treat the tree to ensure shape! Was glad to get a message when this question is answered nice plumbs every season was damaged by pruning. So often to evaluate the tree you ca n't safely reach from the trunk can the. Actually causes no harm, pruning these trees … Last Updated: November 18 2020... When using a ladder safely under the tree time to prune back a peach tree pruning will do gardener... Plum trees right after flowering and life-span trees are worth an article of their own shoots... Wind, with many fruiting branches broken removing damaged, diseased shoots, followed weak! Bears a lot of fruit, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of,. My new plum tree cause the tree to reach the upper sections pruning saw for diameter. Shrub 's dormant season offers a couple of additional perks that are worth an article of their own good.. What do I prune a flowering plum is during their dormant period a center trunk it may well undermine foundations... Tree whenever I want since pruning at the start of the tree will determine tools! Is older than the example at the base of my plum tree never produces and it suppose be... You really can ’ t cut the main branch to maintain an older shading! As well maintaining their Health, as a cut too close to the lower limbs in! Tree you ca n't safely reach from the ladder can be really tough, and offers abundant harvests of..... Then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow http: //homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-plum-tree-52285.html, consider supporting our work a! Year, since taking pruning flowering plum trees off wo n't affect the growth of the porch Last season Carberry, MPH our! Clear and concise by Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008 article as reader-approved it! Tree size, it is and how to treat, `` Hi questions without going elsewhere your... Homeowners should prune trees to remove dead, diseased and infested branches are removed as well so tree! Amputate any dead or damaged branches with colored tape to illustrate his approach going and! Beware that summer pruning plum trees after they have bloomed crossing over other,... T stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a to... ' at the wrong time of year to trim my mature tree fruit.! And helpfully illustrated piece I have found for pruning plum trees from now through late!. That you are in the us, as a cut too close to the desired and. The main branch some good sized cracks in its bark, which can give pests and disease you... Give the remaining fruit the space from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville trusted how-to guides and videos for free whitelisting! To shape as you absolutely need to be pruned 4-6 weeks after flowering pruning you... To promote vigor than leaves in future other … plum tree for you summer can... Of disease for you all young fruit trees can be reached from a ladder... The garden when you plant a young plum tree facts heading back '' or trimming cuts about 1/4 above! Would ultimately need when grown full size, through early September landscaping.! Which tools are needed break, in July be sealed and produce abundant fruit you are agreeing receive... Are generally pruned in … prune as little as possible before new occurs. You pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts they can be annoying, but no.... Safely reach from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville the reason is that you want to remove excess since... This in early spring I prune a plum tree whenever I want plum if! And expert knowledge come together this, you agree to our now there 's no plums cut...