Shorten the strongest by half, cutting back to an outward-facing bud. The following spring, your chosen laterals should have produced their own shoots.Any shoots below the chosen laterals can be removed. Cut these back by around two thirds, then cut the central stem back to just above the top lateral, as says the RHS (opens in new tab).
In the first spring, pick three or four well-spaced laterals that are around 75cm (2½ft) from the ground – these will form your primary branches over time.Start with a feathered maiden tree – this is a one-year-old tree that consists of a stem with laterals (side shoots).For more information read our guide to tools for pruning, and if you’re looking to update your kit, our experts have been busy testing the best pruning saws, the best secateurs and the best anvil loppers, so you can buy with confidence.The first three years call for a formative pruning approach – similar to apples and pears (although plums require less precision). Whether it’s a pair of long-handled loppers, pruning saw or secateurs, using the right tool is essential for this task. Heavy pruning can also affect cropping, as fruits are produced on one- or two-year-old shoots. If your plum tree is unproductive or is only producing fruit every two years (known as biennial bearing), the cause may be lack of moisture at the roots, or a late frost affecting the flowers in spring. Each pruning cut will result in several thin shoots growing – these will need to be thinned the following summer. If you want to renovate an old, neglected plum tree, do it gradually, over several years. Also pull up any suckers that are growing from the base, and grub out any buds growing on the trunk. P rune the branches by about a third, then prune away shoots growing into the centre of the tree, plus any that are dead, damaged or crossing. Prune to create an open, wine glass shape. Again, the aim is to keep the tree a manageable size and shape, while allowing the fruit to ripen. Established plum trees that are more than three years old can be pruned in summer, from mid-June onwards.
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