Plum Tree in July: monthly care

Prune plum trees in June or July, during active growth when the risk of silver leaf disease—a serious fungal infection that enters through pruning wounds—is at its lowest. Never prune in winter. Use clean, sharp secateurs for small branches and a pruning saw for anything thicker than your thumb. In the first few years after planting, focus on building an open, balanced framework. Aim for a goblet or bush shape with three to five main branches radiating outwards, allowing light and air into the centre. Remove any shoots growing inward, crossing branches that rub, and any vigorous upright growth (water sprouts) that crowds the canopy. Cut back to just above an outward-facing bud to encourage an open habit. Once the tree is established, pruning becomes lighter. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood as soon as you spot it. Thin out congested areas to maintain good airflow, which helps prevent fungal problems. Plums fruit on short spurs on older wood and also on one-year-old shoots, so avoid heavy cutting back of productive branches. If the tree becomes too tall or wide, you can reduce the height or spread by cutting back to a suitable side branch, but do this gradually over two or three seasons rather than all at once. Always seal large cuts (over 3 cm diameter) with a pruning paint or wound sealant to reduce the risk of silver leaf spores entering. Burn or bin all prunings—don't compost diseased material.