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How to prune a very over grown and tall Plum tree?

louisajbrownVAmlEl5hlouisajbrownVAmlEl5h Posts: 3
in Fruit & veg
We got an allotment last year and it came with a plum tree. As the plot hadn't been used for many years the tree is massive. Really tall ( you would need ladders to get even half way up) and a bit unruly. I really want to keep it but i need to get it to a mangable size. I'm not worried about getting fruit this year...would I kill it if i lopped the tops off? Can anyone help I'm new to this fruit tree malarky.

Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    A few highlights worth noting. How are you going to safely work at height with such a big tree? Spread this work over several years, don't do it all at once and only prune in summer. Think through how to dispose of the massive amount of trimmings which will arise.
    A photo of the tree would help in offering advice.

  • louisajbrownVAmlEl5hlouisajbrownVAmlEl5h Posts: 3
    Thanks for the link, I haven't got a suitable photo as it has my head in it :smiley: The branches and trimmings will be used alongside our wildlife pond and in our compost. You can repurpose anything on an allotment  :D I'll try and get a decent photo with scale and repost.
  • louisajbrownVAmlEl5hlouisajbrownVAmlEl5h Posts: 3

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes as advised prune in summer,  and do it gradually.  The general rule is not to take more than one third off at any time.  
    AB Still learning

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