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#1
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Pruning neglected, overgrown pear tree
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 |
#2
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Pruning neglected, overgrown pear tree
In my area, it's a little late for fruit tree pruning (many are already
in bloom), but if the tree has been that neglected, now is better than not at all. You can certainly remove at least any diseased or dead wood and some of the crossing branches, but don't remove more than a third (25% is better) of the tree. Pears should be pruned in the same manner as apples. To my mind, learning correct fruit tree pruning by reading something - even something with good illustrations - will not get you anywhere near as far as watching an actual demonstration and doing hands-on practice. But as online sites go, this one is pretty good. It is not a detailed presentation, but it is thorough and should give you a good start: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/departme...s/pruning.html Before next winter's pruning season, try to attend a fruit tree pruning workshop. Many nurseries, county extension offices, even some orchardists offer them in late winter and usually for free. pam - gardengal Ed Evans wrote: 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 |
#3
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Pruning neglected, overgrown pear tree
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 |
#4
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Pruning neglected, overgrown pear tree
Esthetically, it sounds as if it could be attractive. And it's probably full
of heirloom-variety pears-to-be. Live with it a while. Don't do anything drastic except to conserve its health. zemedelec |
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