How to Prune Pear Trees That Have Become Too Overgrown

[stevenmueller]

This was genuinely exceptional. I just bought a home and have a massive pear tree that needs help. Now I know what to do.

[Whatsgoingdowncharliebrown]

Can you please show an updated video of your pear tree now?! I see all the pruning videos, but none that show what they look like once they are full! We just planted 2 evergreen pear trees in our front yard here in arizona. They are both growing straight up with not much lateral growth. I was told to wait until late fall to prune here due to the heat. Although, there are many crossing branches already!

[TheBusyGardener]

I keep all my 60+ trees at no higher than I can reach (except for my citrus and avocado which hold fruit for a months long harvest season). If you're wanting to produce a structure that keeps fruit within reach, why wouldn't you top off the tree to your desired height? I know it creates additional lateral growth, but isn't the alternative an inaccessible 18-30 foot tall tree? What do you suggest for the person who doesn't want a full size tree?

[gregs]

Thank you. I never realized that this was so typical growth pattern for pears. I have 4 of them.

[nenitawhitaker]

Super video; I like the emphasis on understanding the nature of the tree and how it prefers to grow. Since I want to keep my young pear trees short, it was especially useful to learn the need to emphasize lateral growth. In the case of the above tree, however, I am left wondering what the gardener should do with the two main leaders in order to dwarf the tree. Would appreciate further tips.

[DannyWBrownJapan]

This is a great help. Most videos tell how to prune the pear tree for a year or two but not what to do when it gets older and starts growing all these crazy vertical branches. I thought there was something wrong with my tree because I cut it right but it kept growing straight up, , but I see it is growing naturally, and I know what to do for it. Thanks!

[ExpeditionHomestead]

Looks wonderful! Hope everybody is having a great gardening adventure 🌿

[billdavis]

Finally, a pruning video that makes sense and explains the growth pattern I am seeing. So, tired of hearing about making it goblet shaped like an apple tree. I knew allowing all that vertical growth and choking off the center to achieve the perfect goblet would not produce a healthy tree. Thanks for explaining

[missyt]

This was very informative. I appreciate how much information you provide in your video's.

[andrewcriswell]

Good info. Thanks for sharing. Now I just need to incorporate this into pruning my pear tree that's 35' tall.

It was that way when we moved here. It has a very very strong root system. Which is why I want to tame it and retrain its growth habits.

You could say I have my work cut out for me.

[chrissievandyke]

Thank you for sharing this video with us. I have a pear tree that has five different kinds of pears grafted on. It completely stopped producing fruit. I will try the pruning techniques you describe to see if I can get it to produce some fruit next season. God bless you!

[jadedarkrose]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I have a grafted pear so I will have 3 leaders to keep happy.

[judyfreeman]

Some things I would do differently. I would either put a spacer between the two "main branches" or eliminate one of them because they are too close together. If i kept both branches I would prune any lateral branch to a bud facing away from the other branch so they grow away from each other. I know the drawbacks but I would not let any branch grow higher than I could reach so that I can spray them and hand pollinate and thin the fruit so I get huge fruit. I loved your video! It's interesting to see how people think differently than myself!

[jackiehorsley]

very nice pear tree I wish you luck on your next harvest

[unajardinera]

Thank you SO much! People always lump pears and apples together which is frustrating. I wish I had known about central and lateral growth five years ago! My cute pear tree is a mess of numerous suckers of vertical growth.

[annadickinson]

I recently found out my small tree in my back yard is an Asian pear variety. Do you know if it's similar care. I'm trying to research online but I'm getting more confused!! Lots of weeds at the base and the branches are drooping downward and I'm not sure how to prune. It is setting small fruits. Could I email you pictures so I can get your opinion.. it was planted when we moved in and I want to make sure it does well. My boys love Asian pears they were so excited when we found the tag

[luststat]

Thank you this helps a lot. I’m working with a tree that is way over established. Looks like it has been pruned for 5 years more.

[DawnDBoyerPhD]

I have a huge (20" foot ?) tall pear tree that has been ignored for years when we purchased the property - am hoping I can take this advice - do some drastic pruning and cutting and then watch a better crop in the next 2-3 years. thanks!

[mbgcweather]

Great video! Can you please do a video your peach trees? I recall they were having some nutrient deficiencies. Can you dedicate a video to them? Love your channel!

[SsparkleS]

more pruning videos for different variety of fruit trees please! <3