Prune out all crossed rubbing and watersprouts branches. Water sprouts are
the straight up branches. Thin the top out so that it is about 50% less
branches.

Prune out dead and diseased wood. Pears are liable to get fire blight too.


Derryl

....
I've inherited an old pear tree, and it's a mess - at least I think
so.

It's got four main "trunks" which I understand is good on pear trees.
Most of the new growth has been straight up, and there is lots of
crowding on the ends of the older branches because of unchecked cross
growth. Should this new growth be trimmed like other fruit trees, or
is there something special.

Some of the oldish branches, about 2 inches thick, are intertwined,
twisted around each other. Is this a feature, or just neglect?

Lastly, is there a nice online reference for fruit tree pruning?

Cheers,
-Ed Evans