When to prune a plum tree - key tips, dates and getting the best fruit

WHEN TO PRUNE A PLUM TREE When it comes to pruning techniques, the plum tree requires very similar treatment to other fruit trees, and is easily done with a pair of secateurs for a strong

and supported crop. Unlike apple or pear trees - which are a British favourite in gardens right across the country - the plum tree is susceptible to silver-leaf. Timing your pruning right is

essential to keep silver-leaf at bay and should be done early in the spring for an intact crop. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the spores which cause silver-leaf are

released mainly in the autumn and winter months under damp conditions, which is why it is always recommended to prune susceptible trees in summer when silver leaf spores are less abundant.