How to Prune Purple Plum Trees

Purple plum trees are a pretty way to get luscious fruit to eat. It is easy to prune the tree in such a way so that it will yield maximum fruit capacity. It is easiest to do this from the first plantings of the tree, but it can also be done when the tree is older if it has grown without restraint for too long. The best structure for a plum tree is a cage shape and all pruning should be geared towards maintaining that structure.

Things You'll Need

• Purple plum trees
• Chain saw
• Tree saw
• Hand saw
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Ladder
• Container for pruned branches
• Tree limb sealant

Instructions

1. Use the hand saw to prune the maiden tree to about 2 feet above ground level. This is only for trees that have been planted the same year that you are pruning them. A larger tree should not be pruned this way as it will destroy the tree.

2. Use the hand saw to prune the tree is such a way as to create a single branch protruding from the center of the trunk, which is the main branch of the tree, and then leaving a wide space, cause the other branches to grow up like a cage around that central branch. This is the goal shape for the purple plum tree and the shape you should keep in mind when doing any pruning.

3. Prune the tree differently in the second year. Use the tree saw to cut the main stem of the tree back about 1 ½ feet. Make sure to make the cut just above a bud on the tree. Cut all the other branches to about 10 inches long. Make sure to cut them right above a bud as well. In the third year, prune the top branch 18 inches right above a bud.

4. Prune the new branches that have grown in the third year to 10 inches long. Do not prune the lower branches that grew in the second year.

5. Prune any branches that have grown new in each successive year. Prune in the same way as in years 2 and 3. Any side shoots that grow new in a year should be pruned to around 6 leaves away from the parent branch. This will cause the branches to bear more fruit in successive years. Do not prune any branches from previous years that are capable of bearing fruit. When the central stem of the tree is about 8 feet high, trim it back about 3 feet with a chain saw or other saw. Seal all large cuts with tree sealant. Eliminate all dead wood.

Tips & Warnings

• The ideal time to prune purple plum trees is in June.

• Tree sealant can be purchased at most garden center stores.

• Make sure to leave buds on any limbs that are pruned so that the tree can grow back.

• Never leave any large cuts of wood exposed to the elements. Seal with tree sealant.