Plums are one of the easiest fruits to grow in your garden – what other tree has a whole host of online articles telling you how to support the branches when there’s too much fruit weighing them down? However we know that this can also seem like a daunting prospect. What if you don’t have that much space in your garden? Or you accidentally buy a cooking plum when you wanted to eat them raw? You’ll be living with your plum tree for many years, so it’s really important to get it right. We collected together your most frequently asked questions and put them to our growers: here’s what they said.
Plum trees are a delightful addition to any backyard or orchard. Their sweet fruit is not only delicious, but beautiful blossoms make them a lovely ornamental tree as well. If you’re considering adding a plum tree to your landscape, you probably want to know – how big does a plum tree grow? Let’s take a detailed look at the size of different types of plum trees.
Average Mature Height and Spread
On average, a standard plum tree will reach a mature height of 15-30 feet with a 15-25 foot spread Dwarf varieties are much smaller, growing to just 4-8 feet tall and wide
So for standard plum trees, you’ll want to allow at least a 20-25 foot space in all directions for the tree’s mature height and width. Dwarf varieties only need a 8-12 foot space.
Growth Rate
Plum trees grow fairly quickly when young, but slow down as they reach maturity In optimal conditions, they’ll grow about 1-2 feet per year. Dwarfs max out around 1 foot of growth annually
You can expect your plum tree to take approximately 4-6 years to reach full size, Dwarfs may reach maturity slightly faster in 3-5 years
Timeline to Reach Maturity
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Year 1: Plum trees often grow 2-5 feet in the first year.
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Year 2: Expect 1-2 feet of growth. First baby plums may appear but not reach maturity.
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Year 3: Tree slows to 1 foot of growth. First small plum harvest.
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Year 4-6: Growth continues to slow. Full harvests in years 4-6.
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Year 7+: Growth minimal, full production.
So patience is required! But with proper care, your plum tree will be cranking out beautiful blossoms and bountiful fruit for many years to come.
Factors That Impact Growth
Several factors influence a plum tree’s ultimate height and spread:
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Type of Plum Tree: Standard, dwarf, European varieties, Japanese varieties – genetics impact size.
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Environmental Conditions: Soil quality, sunlight, water, and climate impact growth rate.
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Care and Maintenance: Fertilization, pest management, and pruning practices affect size.
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Spacing and Location: Available space for root and canopy growth determines size.
By selecting the right type of plum for your climate, providing ideal growing conditions, and using proper care techniques, you can maximize growth within the space you have available.
Controlling Plum Tree Size
If your plum tree is becoming too large, you can control the size with summer pruning and training methods such as espalier. Here are some tips:
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Prune in late winter or early spring before growth starts.
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Use thinning cuts to remove entire branches and open the canopy.
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Head branches to shorten and encourage bushy growth.
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Summer pruning after fruiting also keeps size in check.
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Espalier training allows you to “flatten” branches against a wall or trellis.
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Growth regulators can restrict size, but research product safety first.
Proper pruning encourages fruit production rather than excessive growth. But take care not to remove fruiting wood unnecessarily.
Planting Distance Guidelines
To prevent overcrowding, follow these spacing guidelines when planting multiple plum trees:
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Standard plum trees: 20-25 feet apart
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Dwarf plum trees: 10-15 feet apart
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Other standard fruit trees: 20-25 feet
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Structures like fences and homes: 15-20 feet
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Sidewalks or driveways: 10-15 feet
Giving your plum tree adequate space prevents roots from interfering with sidewalks, driveways, foundations, or pipes over time.
Do Plum Trees Damage Nearby Structures?
In general, plum trees are not highly aggressive roots so they should not cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, or foundations if planted an appropriate distance away.
However, any tree planted too close can eventually cause problems. Monitor your plum tree, especially in the first 5-10 years while establishing, for potential root or canopy issues.
Mature Plum Tree Size Summary
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Allow 15-30 feet height and spread for standard plum trees
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Dwarfs only need 4-8 feet in all directions
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Grow rate is 1-2 feet annually when young
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Takes 4-6 years to reach full maturity
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Pruning and training help control overly large trees
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Allow 15-25 feet between plum trees and structures
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How to Grow A Plum Tree
Chill Hour and USDA Growing Zone Chart
| Variety | Chill Hours | USDA Growing Zone | Mature Height | Mature Width | Harvest Time | Self-Fertile |
| AU Rosa Plum | 700 | 6-8 | 12-15 Feet | 8-10 Feet | Early July | Yes |
| Bruce Plum | 500 | 5-9 | 15-20 Feet | 10-15 Feet | Mid June | No |
| Burbank Plum | 600 | 5-9 | 12-18 Feet | 12-20 Feet | Mid June | No |
| Golden Plum | 400 | 5-10 | 15 Feet | 15 Feet | Late July | Yes |
| Japanese Loquat | 100 | 7-10 | 10-25 Feet | 10-25 Feet | Late March | Yes |
| Methley Plum | 250 | 5-9 | 15-20 Feet | 18-20 Feet | Late May | Yes |
| Santa Rosa Plum | 350 | 6-10 | 15-20 Feet | 18-25 Feet | Mid July | Yes |
| Scarlet Beauty Plum | 150 | 7-10 | 10 Feet | 5-10 Feet | Late May | Yes |
| Shiro Plum | 450 | 5-9 | 18-20 Feet | 18-20 Feet | August | No |
Raintree Nursery’s Plum Growing Guide!
FAQ
How much space does a plum tree need?
Space plants eight feet within rows and 16 feet between rows for farmstead and feedlot windbreak plantings. Wild plum can tolerate a wide range of soil types from sandy soils to poorly drained soils.
How fast do plum trees grow?
I have grown American plums from seed that reached 8 feet with branches their first year. Typically they grow somewhere between 2 and 5 feet the first year. Once they begin flowering and fruiting, growth slows way down and lots of small branches and root suckers develop. The root suckers can be very prolific.
Where is the best place to plant a plum tree?
Plum trees crop best in a warm, sheltered site in full sun. They’re among the earliest fruit to flower and although the trees are hardy, the blossom can easily be killed by frost. So avoid planting in sites prone to heavy frosts or strong winds, which can damage the blossom and deter pollinators.
What is the lifespan of a plum tree?
American Plum trees are typically favored due to their plump red fruit and beautiful white clusters of flowers. These smaller flowering trees have an average lifespan of 10 – 15 years and are adaptable to a range of soil types.
How big should a plum tree be?
Size of Tree: 15-20 feet high and wide. Plum trees are susceptible to several stresses and insect and disease issues. By properly controlling insects and disease, fertilizing, watering and regularly pruning the trees, you can encourage tree health and enjoy the beauty of this tree on your landscape for years.
How long do plum trees last?
Plum trees are also known for their relatively short lifespan (compared to other fruit trees), with productivity often declining after about 15-20 years. Despite this, their fruit production and ornamental value make them a popular choice for many gardeners.
How do I choose a plum tree?
Choose a type of plum that will thrive where you live. European plum trees will grow in most climates. Japanese plum trees need warmer climates. American hybrid plums are the hardiest and can survive even in cold, harsh conditions. Pick a European type if you have space for just one tree.