Plum Tree

[Lazzerelly]

I planted a plum tree last year and it's grown very spindly, thin branches and 3 up growing, also very spindly, also no sign of blossom. My question is, does it need pruning right back, Thanks in advance

[welshlibranr]

sounds like it's not too happy!.....Maybe planted in the wrong place?.....however, I would wait now and prune it hard in early autumn and wait to see what happens next Spring, too late for blossom this season I think!.........

[SpikeyBush]

I planted an orchard in my field in 2007 comprising of apples, pears, cherries and plums. All bought fir tuppence from Lidl. Been getting apples, cherries and pears for the last few years but the first plum was only last year. Give it a good feed and some time to get established. Until the roots are up to scratch it won't bear fruit.

[atalanta]

Old gardeners used to say " Stone fruit hates the knife". Don't prune, just wait. My damsons have been in a few years now, and I still expect to have to wait another year or two.

[welshlibranr]

atlanta seems more experienced than me, I'd go with his advice!......

[Lazzerelly]

Thanks very much every one, there seems to be divided opinions on this issue. I went on the link from the first answer yesterday and attacked the plum with gay abandon with the secateurs today. As they advise on that website, I've just left one upright chopped off at about 6 feet tall, removed all the lower branches and it looks very sorry for itself. Looking forward to next year, I hope!!