Zootal wrote:
I have a small red pear tree
[...]
A while ago I discovered the trunk had split:

Put eye screws in both main limbs several feet above the fork, the eyes
pointing toward each other. Install a cable between the eyes. In the
cable install a screw tensioning device. Supported in this manner the
split may heal over. However, the fork will never be strong so cabling
will be needed for the rest of the life of this tree.

Is the tree on own roots or grafted? Consider paying an expert plant
propagator to take grafts from this tree, or air layer some good limbs.
This will give you one or more young trees that are clones of this one
and are guaranteed to have the same wonderful fruit.

Learn pruning techniques to ensure future forks are healthier. I can
see this prune has a very upright habit. You'll need to deal with that
throughout the tree. Else, one early or late winter storm can destroy
the tree.

Una