Feathered Maiden Plum Tree with Broken Spurs

by Stuart
(UK)

I have just brought 4 trees from a mail order company. When they arrived I noticed that the Victoria plum tree has some broken spurs (lateral branches) I am not sure if this will affect the shape of the tree.

The tree is currently around 6 foot high with 6No 1-2 foot spurs coming from the main trunk. 2 of the spurs have snapped/damaged at the trunk in transit. I phoned the mail order company and he said to chop off the damaged spurs and the tree will be fine as plum trees are very vigorous. But I am concerned that my tree with only 4 spurs will not grow to be a nice shape. Once planted I was intending to chop the top off, if I do this will more spurs grow or will the tree only be left with 4 strong growing spurs.
Do I need to worry about this?

Thanks
Stuart

Farmer Dave's answer
Your plum tree will probably be fine but the initial pruning is crucial. If you post a picture I could give you a better answer for your tree in specific.
Fruit spurs are the bud that develops fruit. Your original branches will be the scaffolding branches which is what I think you are referring to.
If your 4 branches are at a good height and evenly spaced around your tree basically pointing to the 4 directions your tree will be fine. If you cut off the top then the tree will branch at that point to. Here is an excerpt from my fruit tree pruning instructions
First Year fruit tree pruning instructions
When you first plant the tree prune back the roots slightly and then prune back the "maiden whip" to 3-5 feet off the ground depending on where you want your tree to branch. Prune to a bud with two buds below it. I like to start my tree forking at 4 feet so that the lower branches are easy to get under with a mower. We also let our cow in our mature orchard and she is hard on the lower branches.
If you buy your trees from some nurseries they prune them usually at about 3 feet and they usually have side branches, these are called "feathered maidens and should be pruned back to 3 or 4 strong shoots about 3 or 4 feet from the ground. Side shoots should be shortened by two thirds of their length to an upward or outward facing bud. Lower shoots should be removed flush with the stem. If this is the case and you want them to start taller just save the best leader and prune it to start branching higher up.
As the tree grows prune each winter to develop a strong scaffolding (main branches) and fruiting wood. Always think of a large tree with ladder sets and make sure your main scaffolding will allow for this.

Let me know how your tree grows and post a picture for more specific details.