A vigorous and easy-to-grow fruit tree, the plum tree requires pruning to maintain balance and control its growth. Additionally, its branches can become brittle in harsh weather. This is why pruning, or rather different types of pruning, can be beneficial. However, it can be sensitive to overly severe intervention. Therefore, winter pruning or fruit-bearing pruning should be quite gentle. On the other hand, the formative pruning carried out in the tree's early years will be crucial.

plum tree

Plum trees are sensitive to pruning wounds, so moderation is key

We explain when and how to prune a plum tree, whether left to grow freely or trained as a low, half, or high-stem tree, to ensure abundant and high-quality harvests.

Formative Pruning

Why Prune?

This formative pruning is essential for young plum trees during the first 3 to 4 years after planting. During these early years, the tree is not yet productive. It helps shape the plum tree, structure it, and provide a strong and balanced framework. These annual prunings will determine the tree's future and the quality of its fruiting.

plum tree

An unpruned plum tree has an unbalanced shape

This formative pruning also aims to improve air and light penetration into the tree's centre. It involves thinning the branches by removing crossing or inward-growing branches. Take the opportunity to eliminate suckers growing at the base or along the trunk.

Which Tools to Use?

For formative pruning of a plum tree, a large secateurs is sufficient, but a pruning saw can also be used. Ensure your tools are thoroughly disinfected with methylated spirits to avoid spreading diseases between trees. They should also be well-sharpened to make clean cuts without tearing the bark.

After each cut, apply a pruning sealant, carefully covering the cut edges. This sealant will protect the plum tree from diseases and late spring frosts.

When and How to Prune?

Since plum trees dislike severe pruning, proceed with restraint. Keep pruning minimal and aim to retain 4 or 5 outward-growing scaffold branches. First, remove dead or diseased shoots. Next, eliminate tangled or inward-growing branches to create a light well. Finish by cutting back low-hanging shoots and frost-damaged twigs.

pruning a plum tree

Fruit-bearing pruning of a plum tree

This formative pruning takes place in winter, from November to March, avoiding frost periods.

Fruit-Bearing Pruning

Once your plum tree starts fruiting, you can begin fruit-bearing pruning if necessary. For free-standing stone fruit trees, it isn't essential. However, without occasional pruning, the tree will focus energy on foliage at the expense of fruiting. If you do prune, limit it to every 5 to 6 years to avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, plum trees are highly sensitive to pruning wounds, particularly gummosis, which attracts parasites. Always prune with care!

Objectives of This Pruning

Fruit-bearing pruning involves:

  • Removing dead or diseased wood and dry branches
  • Cutting back outer branches
  • Thinning and aerating the central canopy to improve light and air penetration
  • Maintaining the tree's shape established during formative pruning in its early years
  • Eliminating water shoots (vertical growth), which are unproductive
plum tree

Fruit-bearing pruning opens up the tree's centre

When and How to Prune the Plum Tree?

This fruit-bearing pruning is done every 5 to 6 years, or more frequently if the tree has suffered storm damage (broken or frost-burnt branches). Avoid pruning in a heavy fruiting year—wait until the following year, as plum trees often alternate between high and low yields biennially.

Prune between late autumn and early winter, when sap flows downward into the roots.

Start by cutting back branches by about 30 cm across the entire tree. Then, focus on the centre, removing crossing branches while preserving last year's growth, which will bear future fruit.

Use this opportunity to inspect the tree and remove any remaining diseased fruit.