How do I prune the broken branches of my plum tree?

4 years ago

I have a plum tree that's about 8 years old. For the first time last year, it produced a bumper crop, having only given a few the previous years. Not realising it was a good idea, I never pruned it.

The problem was that the weight of the fruit was too much for some of the branches, and three of them broke. They remained attached enough for the fruit to survive, so I left them as they were.

From what I've read, now is the time for pruning, and I would like some advice as to how I should deal with this tree. Obviously, I want a healthy tree that's going to give me as much fruit as possible.

Here is an overall shot of the tree...

(sorry, looks like you need to tilt your head to see this picture!)

As you can see, due to my lack of pruning, the branches are quite long. Two of the branches broke close to the main stem (just in front of the green post in the middle of the picture), and they look like this...

The other branch that broke is a bit harder to see, but is in the middle of the clump of branches that goes off to the right.

Anyone able to advise how I make the most of this tree? In case it makes any difference, I'm in North-West England.

Thanks

Comments (5)

User
4 years ago
Remove the broken branches and any dead wood. You'll find useful advice on pruning online.
Sonia
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I find the Royal Horticultural Society website very helpful www.rhs.org.uk or Gardeners World website.
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Ribena Drinker
4 years ago
These people are very good. I understand that March is a good time to prune.

https://www.blackmoor.co.uk/guide/Care-Guide-16-Fruit-Tree-Pruning.pdf
Sonia
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I bought a dwarf apple tree from Blackmoors last year and it is a beautiful tree. The apples (all 3 of them!) were delicious. Hope for a few more this year!
PRO
AGI Landscapes
4 years ago
When you have pruned your tree and it starts to crop again, if it is a heavy crop, thin it out to prevent the branches from braking again or add some props to support them a bit like a crutch.

How do I prune the broken branches of my plum tree?

Comments (5)

User

Sonia

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