The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Fruit => Topic started by: janeabeth on September 07, 2011, 04:35:27 pm

Title: huge plum tree
Post by: janeabeth on September 07, 2011, 04:35:27 pm

I have offered to help my very elderly neighbour prune her plum greengage and cherry trees. I dont think any of them have been touched for years! The plum and greengage trees are at least 20ft tall! How much hieght can I take off without killing them? All the trees seem to have 1 central trunk with other smaller trunks growing around it! Basically dont know where to start!!Ever wished you had kept your mouth shut!! Any advice would be most wecome! Jane
 

Title: Re: huge plum tree
Post by: JD on September 08, 2011, 10:34:16 pm

Hi Jane, some good advice in the thread 'Grass and soil thrown around plum trees' posted by Knightquest. I would,not advise a major prune now but would cut out any diseased or crossing branches. Object is to let light and air circulate the branches. With a large  established tree aim to prune about a third at a time.
JD   

Title: Re: huge plum tree
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 19, 2011, 02:41:59 pm

cut any of this year's growth by half as soon as possible, no winter pruning for plums and cherries because of silver leaf disease they can get. Advice from a master pruner I've learnt recently :)