plum trees - Ask Extension
how to prune plum trees
Knowledgebase
plum trees #925236
Asked March 01, 2026, 1:00 PM EST
how to prune plum trees
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Kathleen,
Plum trees should be pruned after they blossom to stop the many water sprouts that occur. This is just after the blossoms fall. However, they can be pruned anytime of the year if necessary.
You do not say how large the tree is or if this is a young tree for the first shaping. I am attaching an OSU guide with instructions for starting the first trim to shape the tree and then the pruning methods for an older tree.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Plum trees should be pruned after they blossom to stop the many water sprouts that occur. This is just after the blossoms fall. However, they can be pruned anytime of the year if necessary.
You do not say how large the tree is or if this is a young tree for the first shaping. I am attaching an OSU guide with instructions for starting the first trim to shape the tree and then the pruning methods for an older tree.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
