Easy to grow in a sunny position, there are a variety of species for warm or cool climates, with less rigid pruning requirements than other fruit trees such as apples or pears. The best pruning time for plum trees is early summer. Pruning plums in winter should be avoided, as there is a greater risk of silver leaf disease to which plums are prone.

Start by removing crossing or weak stems or those affected by disease. Then thin the tree further if it still appears crowded. Plan for a well-balanced tree with an open centre and a good shape. For an established fan-trained plum, remove any damaged or diseased stems then train and prune to shape. Prune all side shoots to six leaves. After fruiting, shorten these pruned shoots to one leaf. The tree will direct its energies into next year's fruit buds.

Try to make pruning cuts as clean as possible without crushing the wood. Minimise disease by treating cuts with wound paint. Each year the RHS works with over 11,000 schools to help them develop gardens and teach children the life skill of gardening. The schools are encouraged to teach the national curriculum through the garden and teachers are invited to attend training sessions and CPD courses to help with their own skills.