Prune plum trees in late spring to mid-summer after fruiting, or in late winter for young trees
Use clean, sharp pruning shears, loppers, and a pruning saw
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or broken branches first
Cut out branches that cross, rub, or grow inward toward the center
Open the canopy to improve light and air circulation
Remove suckers growing from the base and water sprouts growing straight up
Keep the central leader or open-center shape depending on the tree’s training system
Shorten overly long branches to encourage stronger growth
Make cuts just outside the branch collar
Do not remove more than one-third of the tree in a single season
Thin crowded fruiting wood to maintain productive branches
Remove low branches that interfere with mowing or access
Disinfect tools between cuts if disease is present
Dispose of diseased wood properly
Check the tree after pruning and remove any missed problem branches