Ornamental Plum

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Mature ornamental plum blossom tree, unpruned for several years. Blooms pale pink in early spring (mid-March). Located near the stone steps.

Above: Full tree in peak bloom against a blue sky, March 20, 2026. The large spruce of the Spruce Patch is visible to the right.

Above: View from the house side looking toward the tree — showing its position relative to the lawn and the conifer backdrop.

• Multiple competing leaders fighting for dominance
• Crossing and rubbing branches throughout the canopy
• Some dead/bare interior branches
• Dense, tangled canopy center

• Never remove more than 25–30% of the canopy in a single season
• Always cut back to a lateral branch, bud, or the collar — never leave stubs
• Use sharp, clean tools — sterilize between cuts if you see any dieback
• Timing: prune right after bloom finishes (late March / early April) — not fall or winter, to minimize disease entry points for PNW fungal disease

1. Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches first
2. Pick the strongest 1–2 leaders and remove competing upright stems that cross or crowd them
3. Cut out branches that cross and rub (remove the weaker one)
4. Open up the center to improve airflow — reduces fungal disease risk

Light annual shaping right after bloom to maintain shape and prevent returning to this state.

• The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers — George E. Brown (revised by Tony Kirkham)
• WSU Extension ornamental tree pruning guides
• RHS pruning guides for ornamental Prunus