How to Trim a Wild Plum Tree

Wild plums should be pruned just before their buds appear in late winter. Trees that are 1 to 3 years old should be pruned using an open center or vase cut. This type of pruning is used to remove the fruit bearing branches at the top and in the center of the tree. The branches left, form an open bowl or vase shape. Pruning the tree this way allows the sun to penetrate every branch of the tree and results in greater fruit production.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Long-handled loppers

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Prune the top branches of the tree with your pruning shears or long-handled loppers, cutting the branches all the way back to the trunk. (Do not cut into the trunk, instead leave an angled 1 to 2 inch section of the branch.)

   • 2

     Prune about one-third of the inside branches of the tree back to the trunk using your pruning shears or long-handled loppers (this will make an open center or vase cut shape for the branches that are left in the center of the tree).

   • 3

     Prune any upright, quick-growing shoots that grow higher than the rest of the tree, cutting them back to the trunk with your pruning shears or long-handled loppers. Prune any low-hanging branches or branches that are growing too close together, cutting them back to the trunk with your pruning shears or long handled loppers, any time of the year.