my plum tree (3 years old) has a couple of long branches on it (about as thick as my thumb). I noticed these branches had no blossom on them at all. The rest of the tree was completely covered in blossom. Do I cut these off or leave them?

Hi Jane, This is next year’s flowering wood (plums fruit on last year’s growth) This wood sounds like it will need to be removed especially if it is growing in the wrong direction. If you are quick you can still do so. The first 3 years it is all about shaping the tree, nice even branches across the tree. Plums can be very vigorous so this growth will need to be controlled (every winter).

Thanks the Palmers Team