Pear trees grow impressively. However, this includes pruning the pear tree regularly. Here you can find out what needs to be considered.
Pear trees have a very characteristic and graceful growth in old age. However, the old, gnarled branches that hang down are often the result of a lack of pruning care on the pear trees. Your pear tree will thank you with more bountiful harvests and a longer pear tree life in your garden if you prune it regularly. We'll show you how it works and give valuable tips on how to prune pear trees correctly.
When to prune the pear tree?
Just like with apple trees and many large fruit trees, it is a good idea to prune pear trees in winter (January to April) or in summer (June to August) with a shaping and beneficial pruning.
It also applies to the pear tree that the rootstock used determines the growth behavior of the pear tree. You should therefore always inquire as to whether the rootstock used is slow-growing or fast-growing - qualified staff should be able to provide you with advice and assistance. If you were able to experience this, you should remember the following guiding principles:
- Pruning pear trees on slow-growing rootstock in winter
Winter pruning encourages new sprouting of pear trees that have been grafted on slow-growing rootstock. A cut in the summer would rob the weakly growing tree of too much energy. As a result, the fruits hanging on the tree may no longer be adequately supplied with assimilates that come from the photosynthesis taking place in the leaves. - Pruning pear trees on fast-growing rootstock in summer
If a fast-growing pear tree is pruned in winter, its budding and growth will be promoted. Consequently, growth would be uncontrolled and the tree would lose its shape. A controlled pruning in the summer, on the other hand, can curb the already strong growth. A summer cut is also recommendedif you cut back a little too much in winter and the new shoots are clearly too lush.
Pruning the pear tree correctly: Instructions
As already mentioned, pear trees can attract attention with their very special growth habit in old age. The branches grow comparatively close to the trunk - in the first years towards the sky, in old age more inclined towards the ground. Even if this growth form seems enchanted and graceful, it is not really desirable. With the right pruning, a rather wide-growing crown with branches that grow more horizontally should also be formed in a pear tree. The following should therefore be observed when pruning a pear tree:
- Shorten the crown regularly and always remove competitive instincts
- Shorten downward growing shoots
- Remove Deadwood
- Strong main branches can be generously shortened in winter pruning. The new shoots must then be pruned selectively and without fear in summer - up to two thirds of the newly sprouting branches can give way
- Always remove old fruit-bearing wood
- If necessary, also cut out stronger branches when they are old if they take away too much light from the rest of the tree
These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:
- Felco Secateurs: Top-of-the-line manual pruning shears, pruning shears, recommended for all types of pruning. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil.
- Felco Fruit Tree and Pruning Shears: Heavy duty fruit tree and pruning shears with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
- Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortlessly cutting tall trees and dense bushes from the ground.
Felco Orchard And Secateurs No 6€31.99Details →
With these tips, the upbringing of a young pear tree should be successful and a beautiful, he althy and productive growth habit can be achieved. If you want to learn more about planting a pear tree, you can read more here.
Do you also have apple trees, cherry trees, plum trees and/or peach trees in your garden that also need pruning? Then read inCheck out our special article on how to properly prune fruit trees.