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Plum tree pruning

ChrisWMChrisWM Posts: 214
in Problem solving
I had a gardener in this spring to do some heavy work, and they decided to prune our plum tree that was planted two years ago.  Based on the attached photos, what do you think are my best options, as I've never pruned trees before.  (Apologies for the landscape photos. I can't figure how to rotate the pictures on the website). Thanks.


If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Cicero

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    There’s a glitch. Resizing slightly usually works 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    I wouldn’t prune it ,it’s much too young to be pruned yet in my opinion 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I wouldn’t prune … but the ground around the base needs clearing of grass and other plants … a circle of 1m diameter is recommended.  As the tree is so close to the fence it’s already in a dryish spot. 
    The grass is in competition with the tree for moisture and nutrition. Then I would feed with fish blood and bone, water thoroughly and mulch with good garden compost. 

    The cane probably isn’t substantial enough to provide any support. 
    If the tree is in a windy spot I’d stake it as in the link below … otherwise I’d just remove the cane. 

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/staking-a-tree/

    NB Keep an eye on gardeners … most know their stuff, but not all do … Do not let them prune plums or cherries in the winter months … there’s the likelihood of infection with Silver Leaf Disease. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Unless you want to train it, say into a fan or espalier,  the most I would do is to lightly tip it back,  to encourage the overall shape you want. 
    AB Still learning

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