Pick pears at the first hint of browning of the seeds. Apples can be picked when each seed is about half brown. Once picked, they can be stored at room temperature for a few days and then used. If you want to store your apples for a longer period, pick them when you notice the first hint of brown in the seeds. Place newly picked apples for storage in the refrigerator and reduce wilting by placing them in a perforated plastic bag.
Plums are tricky, and often fall from the tree just before they are ripe.
They should be picked when they are a little on the green side and allowed to ripen at cool room temperatures. The fruit for subsequent years is produced on these spurs. Leave 'the spurs on the tree for next year's growth. Courtesy U of S Horticultural Extension. Pruning in the late summer or fall may encourage the tree to continue growing.