Pruning plum, cherry and other stone fruit trees in winter carries a huge risk – experts are warning that trimming them too early could cause irreversible damage

Pink plums growing on plum tree.

If you’ve got a plum, cherry, peach or apricot tree in your garden, don’t be tempted to prune it this month – cutting back stone fruit varieties in winter can spell disaster for the trees.

Even though we’re in the middle of the dormant season, there are plenty of plants you should never prune in midwinter – and stone fruit trees, unlike their apple and pear counterparts, should be left well alone.