Can You Prune a Plum Tree?

Proper pruning encourages a better crop.

Pruning is essential to the health and productivity of a fruit tree and the plum tree is no exception. Pruning appropriately creates a branch framework to support fruit production. Trimming also removes dead or damaged limbs and opens the tree canopy to allow in maximum light. Shaped trees are more aesthetically pleasing, offer higher quality fruit and lead longer, healthier lives.

Seasonal Pruning

Plum trees are deciduous. They lose leaves in the winter and enter a dormant state. At this time, most of the tree's energy is stored in the trunk and roots and very little remains in the branches. Winter pruning makes the tree more vigorous, encouraging new branch growth and fruit production. If you prune your plum tree in summer, you reduce energy -- stored in leaves and buds -- and weaken the tree.

Timing

All significant plum tree pruning should occur in winter. Since mid-winter pruning encourages winter injury, the ideal time to prune is just after the risk of freeze has passed, a few weeks before spring buds open. The general rule is to prune first the fruit trees that flower last; this leaves early-blooming plums among the last to be pruned. Among plums, prune older trees before younger ones, since young trees suffer more from winter injury.

Shape

You can select between several pruning shapes for your plum tree. Most gardeners use either central leader pruning and open center or "vase training." The former -- appropriate for plum trees -- requires one central vertical branch with lateral branches spiraling off around it. The second --- appropriate for all stone fruit including plum trees -- eliminates the central leader, leaving the center of the plum tree in an open, bowl shape.

Subsequent Pruning

Your plum tree needs to be 2 or 3 years old before the initial pruning to establish shape. After shape formation, pruning in the following years eliminates unwanted growth, upright shoots and lateral branches with acutely angled branches. Dead, diseased and injured wood is better pruned in winter, while summer is the time to eliminate excessive growth.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service; Training & Pruning Fruit Trees; Michael L. Parker
• Aggie Horticulture; Pruning Young Plum Trees; Debrah Golden