Pruning
Plum, cherry & stone fruit
Established plum and cherry trees are tall, so take care working at height. Use a stable ladder on firm ground with someone footing it, keep pruning tools sharp and clean, and cut away from yourself. A pruning cut is an open wound that lets disease in, which is why clean cuts and warm-season timing matter.
- Where to get help
- NHS 111, or seek medical advice
Winter pruning lets in silver leaf and canker.
When
Summer only, never winter
How
Light prune in summer after fruiting.
Notes
The key rule: never prune stone fruit in winter.