Question: How do I prune my plum tree to keep it vigorous and so I’ll get the most possible fruit?

Answer: Prune plums just as you would peaches, that is, to a bowl shape. Remove all the strongly vertical growth, always trimming above buds that face away from the centers of the trees. That will keep the trees shorter and more spreading, so the fruit will ripen to its full color. It will also let you reach the fruit from the ground as you harvest. You will be removing as much as half of the twig growth each January or very early February.