Pruning plum tree "Upshoots"

[Jonny.D]

Don't know if "Upshoots" are the correct word, should I cut these shoots off at the white line?



There are a number of them on different parts of the tree.

Thanks,


John

[WendyC]

I can't work out from the photo where these shoots are in relation to the rest of the plant. Why do you want to prune them off?

[Jonny.D]

Sorry Wendy, ?I think? I read that these "Upshoots" should be trimmed off when they appear.

They are forming / growing at the ends of branches

[WendyC]

Oh ok. I'm afraid I've never heard that before but the plum tree in my garden is a large established one that gets an annual haircut to keep it under control. Too big to notice which way individual shoots are facing! Someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly.

[starloc]

cant see were they are on the photo, need one showing the size and shape of the tree as well,
Plums dont need much pruning apart from to make them a good shape, but if they are shoots growng from the sides of main branches that you dont want long, wait till about 6 inch long and pinch the tip out and it will then grow fruit buds on it for next year

Wouldnt bother until the tree is the size you want it though, you can always take them off at a later date....cant stick them back on easily!

[Kirk]

Are you thinking of shoots that come from below the graft point of the tree?
If so and the shoots are below the graft then yes remove them, but yours look like normal every day growth.

Also "upshoots" could refer to excessive growth once the tree is established. They can throw up vertical new growth that is often not wanted, but the tree needs to already have a good network of branches. What you are doing then is removing the vertical growth that would take energy from the established growth.

Still from what you show I would say they should be left, or selectively pruned to start establishing the shape you want.

[orangepippin]

These look like normal new shoots to me. All new shoots will tend to grow vertically towards the light. Why do you think you want to prune them off?

[Jonny.D]

These look like normal new shoots to me. All new shoots will tend to grow vertically towards the light. Why do you think you want to prune them off?

As said above to WendyC, I think? I read that these "Upshoots" should be trimmed off when they appear.

[WendyC]

The consensus seems to be leave them alone. The only up growing shoots you definitely do need to remove are any growing from below the graft as suggested by Kirk.