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When to summer prune plum tree

jamesmacveighjamesmacveigh Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
I pruned my 5-year old tree last winter, 2017-18, and it has grown lots more wood. Now many tiny baby plums have appeared but they are largely shaded by the dense branches. Should I prune now to let in more light?

Posts

  • PlashingPlashing Posts: 328
    You shouldn't prune plum trees in winter because they are likely to get silver leaf.the rule of thumb is to prune in the summer no later than the last week of July,I always prune mine in June,hope that will help.Peter
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,631
    Lots of info on the RHS site including this - 

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=1024 general cultivation and care
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=339 pruning

    If you google "pruning plum trees" there are videos on Youtube and other sites offering clear advice on how and when.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • jamesmacveighjamesmacveigh Posts: 2
    Many thanks, Obelixx, that's very helpful. I haven't much experience with gardening and it's useful to know where to look!
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