[NASH]

I inherited a Plum tree when I took my plot on and it gives lots of plums but they always seem to be infected, it's not a good shape for a tree and I was thinking of removing it, then  I thought would a prune help but I have never pruned a tree.

Any tips gladly excepted.

[compostqueen]

It would be worth a try to see if it came good.   Starting with dead, diseased and dying then crossing branches would be a good place to start. I don't know when the best time is though. I hear that plums get summer pruned but not sure    Sorry for not being much help 

[shokkyy]

According to my Hessayon book, Fruit Expert, you should prune established plum trees in June to late July, removing dead, broken and diseased branches and cutting back overcrowded branches. The book also advises painting cuts with Arbrex.

[NASH]

thanks for replies, I think if I prune all the bad looking branches it will be just a 4" diameter stump !

[shokkyy]

I think when it's a renovation job the general rule of thumb for both trees and shrubs is to take away a third of the old/bad branches in year one, another third in year two and the last third in year three, so the old growth is gradually replaced by good new growth (hopefully).

[Yorkie]

Remove all dropped fruit and any that are left mummified on the branches.  Also clear up all leaf debris, in case the infection is being stored and reinfecting from them.

RHS advice is now not to paint pruning cuts with Arbrex or any other wound paint - it can lead to further infections.

Prune as advised above - in summer; dead, diseased, damaged and duplicating.  Then don't remove too much wood for shaping purposes in one go.