- 1). Prune dwarf plums in late winter to early spring before the trees produce any new growth. Dormant pruning allows the trees to conserve energy and heal quickly. Plum trees bloom earlier than some other fruit trees, so prune these trees before you prune anything else.
- 2). Cut out dead, damaged or diseased wood and foliage. Make these cuts 1 to 2 inches above healthy wood to promote new growth.
- 3). Thin excessive growth in crowded areas of the trees. Prune back branches and shoots that grow at the center of the tree or diagonally through the tree. Thin foliage shoots in the canopy of the tree to allow for more air and light, but don't cut more than 75 percent of the growth. Leave one central leader, or trunk, with four to six main branches growing outward. Make all cuts above a growing node to encourage bushy new growth.
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