How to prune a plum tree and prevent silver leaf disease.
Plum trees are susceptible to silver leaf disease, a debilitating fungal condition.
Identifying
The fungus enters the plant through wounds, turning the leaves silver. Eventually the whole branch dies.
How to treat
It is recommended to prune plum trees in spring and summer, so the tree’s pruning wounds can help before the spores of silver leaf disease become active during the damp months of autumn and winter.
- Using secateurs or a pruning saw prune all the branches back by about a third, cutting to just above a bud. Take side shoots back by one half.
- Cut any older branches that are weak, damaged, or competing and crossing. The aim is to create an open, goblet shape. This means that light, air and sun can get into the developing fruits.
For more information about pruning plum trees, visit the BBC Gardener’s World Magazine website.