Plum Tree Size

Size and Form

• Both the fruiting and non-fruiting varieties of plum trees grow 15 to 20 feet tall. With their broad crowns, the trees have an equal spread. The foliage is 1 1/2 to 3 inches long and ranges in shades of dark green and purple. The upright trees have a fast growth rate, and at maturity the canopy is rounded.

Soil and Site

• Plant plum trees in deep, well-drained ground, preferably loam. The trees will tolerate well-drained clay but do not grow well at all in shallow, dry soil. Choose an area of full sun for optimal growth. Plum trees flower early in the spring, and the blooms are susceptible to damage from spring frost. Avoid planting in low-lying areas, as these are likely to develop frost pockets.

Diseases

• Plum trees are susceptible to a number of diseases, including bacterial blight and silver leaf, a fungal disease that starts from a fungus in dead wood. Prune off all dead branches in early summer, and seal the wounds with paint to minimize chances of infection. Bacterial blight is characterized by the appearance of black streaks on shoots that gradually spread to foliage and fruit. There is no cure for the disease. Prune out all infected areas and burn. Use resistant varieties.

Planting Suggestions

• When buying trees from nursery, select healthy trees that are anywhere between 3 to 6 feet in height. The trunk diameter should range from 3/8 to 3/4 inch, recommends the University of Rhode Island Extension. Best time to plant the tree is during early spring. If you are planting more than one tree, space standard-sized trees 20 feet apart.