Image: Plum Tree Before and After Pruning

The image is a high-resolution landscape-oriented photo collage showing a clear before-and-after comparison of a plum tree undergoing proper pruning. It is visually split into two vertical halves, each occupying one side of the frame, both set against the same backdrop of a lush green garden lawn with softly blurred trees in the distance. The consistent lighting—soft, diffuse daylight—enhances the details of both the tree’s structure and foliage without harsh shadows, making the transformation easy to observe.

On the left (Before): The plum tree appears dense, overgrown, and somewhat unkempt. Its canopy is thick with abundant green leaves and numerous crossing branches. Many shoots grow inward toward the center, creating a cluttered, congested structure that blocks light from reaching the inner parts of the tree. The foliage forms a heavy mass that obscures most of the internal branch structure. The trunk is visible only at the base before it disappears into a dense tangle of branches. The soil around the trunk is visible but shaded by the canopy, and the grass around the tree looks slightly flattened, likely from lack of light. Overall, this side illustrates the common issues of an unpruned fruit tree: poor airflow, limited light penetration, and excessive branching that could reduce fruit quality and increase disease risk.

On the right (After): The same tree is shown after careful pruning, now with an open, airy structure that reveals its framework. Several strong scaffold branches radiate outward in a balanced, vase-like shape, and the center of the canopy has been opened to allow sunlight to reach deep into the tree. Most of the small, crossing, or inward-facing branches have been removed, leaving clean cuts and smooth lines. The remaining branches carry healthy green leaves, but far fewer than before, so the structure is easily visible. The trunk and main limbs are now clearly exposed, and the soil around the base has been freshly cleared and neatly mounded. The overall impression is of a well-maintained, healthy fruit tree ready for productive growth, with greatly improved airflow, light penetration, and structural balance compared to its earlier, overgrown state.

The image is related to: The Best Plum Varieties and Trees to Grow in Your Garden