If your plum tree has barely any fruit and congested growth, light pruning in late June is okay—especially to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. Focus on thinning out overcrowded shoots, removing any inward-growing or crossing branches, and cutting back overly vigorous upright growth (like water shoots).
Use clean, sharp secateurs and make clean, angled cuts just above a bud. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree, but a gentle tidy-up now will help shape the tree and promote better fruiting and health next year.
Why light pruning in late June can be okay for plums:
- Plum trees (especially European types like Prunus domestica) are usually pruned in summer—not winter—to avoid silver leaf disease, which enters through fresh cuts in damp conditions.
- Late June is early in the summer window but can be appropriate if:
- There’s minimal fruit (so you’re not sacrificing yield),
- You’re doing light, selective thinning (not harsh structural pruning),
- The tree is very congested, and airflow needs improvement.
What’s safe to prune in late June:
- Water shoots (vigorous upright growth),
- Crossing branches or ones causing rubbing,
- Weak, inward-growing shoots,
- Dead or damaged wood.
What to avoid:
- Heavy pruning (removing large limbs or more than 20–25% of the canopy),
- Winter pruning of plums—this increases disease risk.
Tips:
Check over the branch you are pruning for any hidden plums before you make the cut!
Make the cut just above a downward or outward-facing bud.
Get in touch if you would like some help!
Garden Regeneration 
You must be logged in to post a comment.