Pruning Fruit Trees
Question:
Is it OK to prune unwanted limbs off a pear tree after is begins to bloom. One of my trees is an eating pear and the other is a canning pear. Has not been pruned in years and need to get rid of dead limbs and cross overs.
Answer:
Apple and pear trees should be pruned every winter to ensure a good crop of fruit the following season.
This should be carried out when the tree is dormant, between leaf fall and bud burst (usually between November and early March).
If yours has already started to bloom you may be best waiting until next winter.
However, you should be OK to cut out dead or unwanted branches but pruning branches which you want to produce fruit is not advisable.
Here is a link to an RHS article about renovating older tress which may be of use: http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1101/fruit_tree.asp.
Similar Articles:
- Pear Tree - Question:I have got some branches on our pear tree where the buds are not opening – should I cut them back or just leave it?Answer:If the tree is the right size and shape for you then I’d leave it. However, you may want to read the RHS article below for information on how to prune ...
- Moving Gooseberries and Blackcurrants - Can gooseberry and blackcurrant bushes be dug up and moved at this time of year? Some of the bushes are old bushes some are two year old bushes.Any advice on winter pruning the bushes after having been moved. Blog this! Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Buzz it up Share on Linkedin Share with Stumblers ...
- Cotoneaster - Question:I have a cotoneaster tree that has grown stalks all the way down the trunk. Can I cut these off so it stays a tree and doesn’t become a bush? How? Does the cut face in or out? Is it ok now?Answer:The best time to prune or remove any unwanted branches is after the plant ...
