How to Prune a Plum Tree for a Beautiful Shape & Fruit Production

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A year-by-year guide to shaping and pruning plum trees
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Plum trees need to be pruned once a year to help them retain a healthy shape and produce abundant fruit. You’ll use the same basic techniques each time you prune, but your pruning goals will be different based on the age of the tree. We’re here to help you prune your plum tree with confidence, including how to know which branches to keep and how to make the cuts.

How do you prune a plum tree?

When the tree is young, create a wine glass shape by keeping 4 or 5 branches that extend horizontally from the trunk. Cut back branches that cross, shade, or compete with these. Once the shape is established, prune annually to avoid overcrowding and to remove damaged, dead, or diseased branches.

Section 1 of 7:

Choosing Branches to Prune

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  1. Look at the tree from multiple angles and identify 4 or 5 strong branches growing horizontally from the main trunk. Try to select branches that are evenly spaced around the tree, creating a balanced shape. These will be your scaffold branches, and they’ll support any new tree growth. [1]
    • Supporting branches should come off of your scaffolds, not the main trunk.
  2. Cutting away branches from the main trunk is usually a good place to start when you’re pruning. Getting rid of large branches will make it easier to see where you need to make additional cuts. [2]
    • You’ll probably need to use loppers or even a pruning saw to cut the larger branches coming off the trunk. [3] Be sure to disinfect your cutting tools with alcohol before you start pruning.
    • Make your cuts about 1 ⁄ 4  cm (0.098 in) from the branch collar. The branch will contract slightly as it heals. Cutting slightly outside of the collar will help the final scar be flush with the rest of the tree.
    • Cut in a smooth motion—gouges and jagged edges leave the tree vulnerable to pests and disease. If you’re cutting a large limb, cut underneath the branch first to keep the branch from tearing the bark as it falls. [4] Make multiple cuts if you need to.
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  3. Suckers are new shoots that come up from the root system around the base of the tree. Cut these all the way to the ground so the tree's energy is directed into the main tree trunk and won't get sapped by the suckers. [5]
    • Suckers are usually small, so you should be able to use hand pruners to clear them out.
  4. Only keep branches that grow upward and toward the outside of the tree. If a branch grows in toward the trunk, cut it back all the way. Similarly, remove any branches that are growing down toward the ground—they won’t be very strong and may be prone to breaking once they’re weighed down with fruit.
    • Removing center-facing branches will help encourage your plum to grow outward horizontally, opening up the center for better light and airflow.
  5. Crossover branches crowd the tree and prevent sunlight from filtering through the branches. They also inhibit air flow and can leave the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. If two branches are crossing, keep the one that’s strongest, holds the shape of the tree best, or has the most bud clusters. [6]
    • When two branches touch each other, the friction can rub the bark away, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease.
  6. These branches don’t tend to be heavy producers, so it’s usually best to remove them completely, especially if they’re growing straight up or don’t suit the shape of the tree. But if a branch is growing horizontally and you want to keep it, cut it back so it has about 3–5 buds, making sure you cut just above an outward-facing bud. [7]
    • If it won't interfere with the shape, you can also prune away larger branches that don't seem to be producing fruit. [8]
    • Similarly, remove weak branches that won’t be able to support the weight of fruit.
  7. Plum trees tend to grow vertically. That can make it hard to harvest all of your fruit when the plums are ready. To make harvesting easier, trim back the tallest branches each year so you can reach the top of the tree—known as heading. If there’s fruit that you can’t harvest, it could attract pests like wasps. The plum tree should be short enough that you can reach the fruit from the ground or standing on a small step-ladder. [9]
    • By controlling the height, you’ll also encourage horizontal growth, which means more branches will get sunlight—and you’ll get a better fruit yield. You can also use heading cuts to trim back long, thin branches that won’t hold much weight.
    • If you’re leaving part of a branch, look for the buds that are emerging. Choose one that’s facing toward the outside of the tree—new growth will most likely emerge from this point, so this can help encourage outward growth in the future. [10]
  8. Branches that are dead or damaged should be cut away so that the tree can stop wasting energy on them. Removing diseased trees can also keep the problem from spreading. [11]
    • Dead and diseased branches can be removed any time of year, since taking them off won't affect the growth of the tree.
    • Put diseased branches in the trash to dispose of them. Don’t add them to your compost, or the disease could spread to healthy plants. [12]
  9. Plums grow fruit on tiny branches called spurs that grow on branches that are at least 2 years old. These spurs develop tiny flower clusters that eventually develop into the fruit. When you’re pruning, try to keep the branches that have the most fruit clusters, and work carefully to avoid snapping off the spurs. [13]
    • Keeping the fruit clusters occasionally means that you might keep a fruiting branch you’d otherwise remove. But remember—you can always prune that branch next year if you need to.
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Section 2 of 7:

Shaping a Plum Tree

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  1. Most gardeners prefer to prune plum trees with an open center and a V-shape like a vase or wine glass—narrower at the bottom and wider at the top. A plum tree should also have plenty of space between the branches, allowing fresh air and sunshine to easily penetrate the entire tree. As you’re pruning, keep this ideal shape in mind to help guide you when you’re deciding which branches to cut. [14]
    • Also, be sure to maintain a balanced shape, even if that means keeping a branch you’d normally prune. If the tree is unbalanced, it could start to lean, especially when it’s heavy with fruit.
    • If there’s a vertical stem growing in the center of the plum tree, most gardeners will cut it back to the point where the scaffold branches emerge. [15] However, if you’re growing European plums, some gardeners recommend keeping the center branch.
  2. If you have two healthy, fruit-producing branches that are growing too close to each other, space them out with a limb spreader . This is a small, notched plastic, wooden, or metal piece. Simply wedge it between the two branches you want to space out. [16]
    • Remove the spreader once the branch starts to grow in the direction you want. This might take 2–3 months, or longer for more established branches.
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Section 3 of 7:

Year-by-Year Pruning Guide

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  1. Prune lightly to remove thin or broken shoots. In the first dormant season after you plant your tree, give it a light pruning to encourage good growth and a suitable shape. But try to preserve as much leaf growth as possible—this will help your tree be healthier and have a stronger root system. [17]
  2. Cut back to just your scaffold branches. In the spring or summer, prune the plum tree back hard. Cut the scaffold branches back so that each one has just 1 or 2 buds. Make the cuts just above the buds. [18]
    • Cut the remaining side shoots and branches flush against the trunk.
  3. Prune to control the shape and height. By year 3, your tree should be growing vigorously, so it will gain a lot of new branches during the growing season. Each year, prune the tree to remove any branches that are competing with the main scaffolds, crowding or crossing other branches, or growing into the center of the tree. Also, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. [19]
    • If your tree starts to spread out too horizontally, leaving the center exposed, allow a few branches to grow in toward the center of the tree. This will help shade the main trunk during the heat of summer.
  4. Prune to remove new growth. After 10 years, the shape and size of your plum tree is well-established. Each year, remove nearly all of the new growth, plus any dead or damaged branches or branches that are starting to bend downward from the weight of the fruit. [20]
    • Only keep new branches if they fill in a space where you had to remove an established branch.
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Section 4 of 7:

How much can I prune at once?

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  1. Plums can generally hold up to fairly aggressive pruning, especially once they’re established. If you’re mainly pruning new growth, you can remove as much as 60–80% without harming the plant. [21] But avoid taking more than 1/3 of the tree’s total branches—that can stress the tree and interfere with fruiting.
    • If you need to prune more than 1/3 of the branches—like if you’re renovating a neglected plum tree—make the cuts over several years instead of all at once.
Section 5 of 7:

What is the best time to prune plum trees?

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  1. Dormant pruning is pruning the tree during the late winter, when no new growth is happening and the tree doesn't have any leaves. 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. It’s also usually easier to see the shape of the tree during the dormant season.
    • Consider saving some pruning for the summer. If the tree puts too much energy into growing, your fruit yield might be lower the following year.
    • Prune as late in the winter as possible before new growth occurs, since heavy freezes after pruning could damage the tree.
  2. If your plum tree is getting too big for your yard, you can prune in the summer to slow down its growth. Whereas dormant pruning encourages vibrant spring growth, summer pruning cuts away the tree's energy and limits growth for the season.
    • Pruning too late in the summer can make the tree vulnerable to cold winter temperatures. In the US, don't prune after July to reduce the risk of frost damage to new growth.
  3. If you prune when it's damp out, your plum tree will be more vulnerable to silver leaf disease. Silver leaf is a disease that causes the leaves of a tree to develop a silvery sheen. It’s caused by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum , which releases its spores during humid weather. These spores can infect trees through a wound, like after pruning or other damage. [22]
    • The silver leaf fungus prevents water from moving freely through the tree. Eventually, most trees with silver leaf disease will die, although some appear to recover. [23]
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Section 6 of 7:

Alternative Tree Shaping Techniques

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  1. Fan-trained plums are grown close to a wall near a trellis of wires. New shoots are tied to the scaffold branches to encourage a wide V shape. The center of the tree is completely open. [24]
    • This is largely an aesthetic choice, but because the tree is spread horizontally along a wall, it’s also a good way to get a better yield in limited space.
  2. In festooning, gardeners tie strings around the tips of the plum tree’s branches, then anchor the string to something like a cinder block. It’s similar to fan training, except instead of an upward V shape, festooning attempts to create a curve, similar to a weeping willow. [25]
    • The theory of festooning is that it will encourage the tree to produce fruit instead of growing more leaves.
  3. Cordoning involves growing plums on a single, straight trunk. Lateral branches are all trimmed, and only the spurs are left to flower and bear fruit. [26]
    • This usually requires a stake and trellis. The tree’s yield will be lower, but it can be a good option if you have limited space.
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Section 7 of 7:

Frequently Asked Questions: Pruning Plum Trees

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  1. 1
    How often should you prune plum trees? Prune your plum tree once a year to control its shape and height. But if you notice dead, diseased, or damaged branches, remove those as soon as you see them.
  2. 2
    Should I prune my plum tree? Yes, pruning plum trees will help keep them healthy. It also helps encourage better fruit production because more light can reach the leaves. [27]
  3. 3
    Should I use pruning paint on my plum tree? Some people do use wound dressings on their plants after they prune them. However, if you make your cuts in the right place and at the right time, the tree will heal on its own, so pruning paint isn’t really necessary. [28]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    After pruning, should I use pruning sealer?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    Pruning sealer can help protect the cut areas from disease, especially if you are pruning during a rainy season.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 35 Helpful 62
  • Question
    When do I prune a plum tree that is in a pot?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can follow the same principles here, doing most of your pruning while the tree is dormant.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What is the optimum height for a plum tree?
    Community Answer
    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. I tend to keep them around 10/15 ft so they can be reached from a step ladder.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/pruning-tree-fruit-the-basics/
      2. ↑ https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/pruning-tree-fruit-the-basics/
      3. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
      4. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
      5. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/plums-in-the-home-garden
      6. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/files/PruningHandout-OY-Feb2019.pdf
      7. ↑ https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/CARE/HOWTOPRUNE/Fruit_Trees/?uid=7&ds=1003
      8. ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/Trees/PlantingAndCare/Pruning/pruning.pdf
      9. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
      1. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/plums/pruning
      2. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/files/PruningHandout-OY-Feb2019.pdf
      3. ↑ https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/CARE/HOWTOPRUNE/Fruit_Trees/
      4. ↑ https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/CARE/HOWTOPRUNE/Fruit_Trees/?uid=7&ds=1003
      5. ↑ https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/information-sheets/fruit-and-nut-review-peaches-nectarines-and-plums
      6. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/files/PruningHandout-OY-Feb2019.pdf
      7. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
      8. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
      9. ↑ https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/pruning-tree-fruit-the-basics/
      10. ↑ https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/pruning-tree-fruit-the-basics/
      11. ↑ https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/CARE/HOWTOPRUNE/Fruit_Trees/?uid=7&ds=1003
      12. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/files/PruningHandout-OY-Feb2019.pdf
      13. ↑ https://pddc.wisc.edu//wp-content/blogs.dir/39/files/Fact_Sheets/FC_PDF/Silver_Leaf.pdf
      14. ↑ https://pddc.wisc.edu//wp-content/blogs.dir/39/files/Fact_Sheets/FC_PDF/Silver_Leaf.pdf
      15. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/fruit-trees/initial-fan-training
      16. ↑ https://thesurvivalgardener.com/festooning-fruit-trees/
      17. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/plums/growing-training-as-cordons
      18. ↑ https://www.uaex.uada.edu/counties/clark/self-sufficient-u/posts/how-to-prune-fruit-trees.aspx
      19. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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. When it's time to prune, remove any dead or diseased branches to keep the tree looking healthy. Also, prune off any branches that aren't producing fruit. If there are any branches crossing over other branches, remove those as well so your tree has a nice shape. For tips on pruning a young plum tree, keep reading!

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