so that grow the best fruit, you have to make some cuts.
They are typically small deciduous trees that produce flowers and fruit on second year growth.
Fruit sizes and colors vary, but are commonly found in both green and purple forms.
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Some varieties of common plums are grown specifically for producing prunes.
Many aregrown as large shrubs rather than trees.
When is the Best Time to Prune Plums?
Thebest time to prunea plum tree varies depending on your location due to the risk of infection.
In colder northern environments with humid summers, late spring is best to avoid fungal spores in the air.
In dry summer regions with mild winters, prune during mid summer while fungal spores are less prevalent.
What Tools Will You Need for Pruning?
Eventually, you may also want to purchase a pole saw to reach higher branches.
Avoiding the use of ladders when trimming or sawing will further reduce the risk.
Before you begin, walk a full circle around your tree and look at its overall form.
Asmall stumpwill allow for a bit of dieback.
If stems or branches splinter, use a sharper blade to recut toleave a clean stump.
Look for crossed, broken, or dead branches and trim them off first.
Anywatersprouts or suckersespecially those below the graftshould be removed.
Focus on strong central stems, avoid creating V shape branch structures, which split more easily.
How to Prune European Plums
European plums produce new growth along a central leader stem.
Each season, the dominant top bud will produce new growth above as well as horizontal side shoots.
Height can be controlled in young trees by trimming back the central leader just above a bud.
Begin pruning by removing any upward growing branches aside from the central leader.
Horizontal branches coming from the main stem should be spaced vertically by 4-8 inches.
European plums produce flowers and fruit on two year old growth.
This will help create strong branches and avoid overproduction of fruit.
