Grow Your Own Magazine

Hello all,

I have been reading about when to prune the pear/plum trees ( may/june and winter time respectively from what I have read) The problem is that the trees are so untidy and have far too many stems which I consider to be just like tomato plant suckers.
If I conservatively prune dead, diseased, damaged and rubbing stems as well as being careful to cleanly cut and seal properly, will I be able to prune and get away without too many issues, or, should I just be patient and wait until may/june and the winter for safety?

Pears you can probably get away with now, but plum trees tend to get problems if pruned early in the year. If you are really desperate to tidy them up make sure your secateurs are sterilised before you start (yes you can transfer disease on your garden tools so it pays to keep them clean) and seal any large cuts. Good luck!