Pruning a plum tree

[cotton54321]

Hi guys
Just wondered if any of you are experts at pruning plum trees
Seem to have been given lots of contrasting advice by friends etc and this tree hasn't supposedly fruited for quite a few years (just inherited due to house move)

Thanks in advance
Mel x

[nick the grief]

I was always told to prune plums when they are in leaf & growing. that way you avoid the fungal problems that plums can get (silverleaf I think its called).

If you winter prune like you would an apple all you do is get loads of leaves & no plums which may have happeed with yours.

Start with the 3 D's
Dead
Diseased
& Damaged.

If you take these out that will let in a bgit more air. Then take out any branches that are crossing & rubbing.

If all goes well & you end up with plums take the new grow back (by about a half) & this will help to keep it in check.

[Green Thumb Annie]

European plum trees

Nick the Grief's advice is excellent.

May I add:
1. Plum trees are usually given 1-2 lbs of nitrogen by orchardists. I would recommend putting down a good fertilizer to help the tree after you have pruned it.

2. Most European plums are self-fruitful. If the tree does not fruit, perhaps it requires a pollinator. Three types of tree that require a pollinator are Early Laxton, Imperial, and Seneca.

I suspect that the tree just needs a good pruning to let in light and air, and the some fertilizer if the soil has been depleted.

[cotton54321]

Thanks for the info. We have now pruned and fertilised. The one thing that is confusing me is that it is now covered in blossom. The previous owners said it hadn't fruited for years but I thought blossom meant fruit?

[Nicos]

Cotton - if it is in flower then I think it may not have produced fruit for one of two reasons.
Firstly it may not be self fertile and there may not be another plum tree near enough to pollinate it.
Or, it may be in an exposed site and the frost has caught the flowers causing them to drop off.
It might be worthwhile buying a second plum tree (a small minerette type would do if you are limited for space-or make a low hedge with one) or just trying to fleece it up at night remembering to remove it in the morning so the bees can do their part!