I have bradford pear trees -when and how do you prune them to have them fill out more?

Heres the info- no bull!



Prune Before Spring

First, I must emphasize that the best time to prune is before warm weather sets in. Pruning is really a process of directing growth, that is, energy, in the ways you want it to go. So it's important to get it done in the winter, when all the tree's energy is still stored in the roots and the stems, waiting to be set loose by the coming of spring.



This also ensures that your tree gets a healthy head start: The pruning cuts you make will have a chance to begin healing before the arrival of the bugs and disease common in warm weather.



A good pruning cut starts at the collar of the branch.



Height Limitations

Next, when working with fruit trees, you should remember to think of yourself. You don't want to have to haul out a 20-foot ladder to pick your pears. So I recommend pruning your tree to a height of about 12 feet. This will also enable the use of a homeowner-grade — rather than commercial-grade — equipment for any spraying you may need to do.



Layered, Horizontal Branches

Within your 12 feet of fruit tree, you should prune with an eye for nice, layered branches. Remember, it's the horizontal branches that bear fruit, not the upright wood. Thus, effective fruit pruning will often entail some fairly dramatic cuts, especially to some of the larger vertical growth.



On a pear tree work toward creating three horizontal layers of branches — bottom, middle and top, each separated by about 30 to 36 inches. Also, each layer needs only about three or four branches, especially the lower layers, since more branches will tend to stunt the growth above them. And a final bit of common sense: Prune so that the tree is wider at the bottom layer than the top, which will prevent the top from shading out the bottom.



The cut should be made at an angle to help it shed water, then painted for protection.



A Good Cut

Really good pruning cut starts at the collar of the branch. Cut out from there at a slight angle so it can shed water. After three or four days, your final step will be to paint the pruning cuts to protect the exposed wood from both the cold, fungus and insects. The delay in painting will give the cambium layer — the layer of living cells between the wood and the bark — time to heal, adding protection.



This should help

-Good Luck
I have bradford pear trees -when and how do you prune them to have them fill out more?
in the fall
Reply:Vernalization (production of flowers) takes place in summer....never prune it in summer....otherwise you'll lose tons of pears ...
Reply:I agree with Cute_blondie, however keep in mind to watch for weak trunk and branches because bradford pears have a tendency to become weak and to split. aim at branches that are unusally weak or dead as this will be detremental to the health of the tree.
Reply:The best time to prune would be during the dormant season. All limbs should be removed so that a small collar is left on the trunk. You don't want a flush cut per say as that leaves too much exposed wood to callus over. If you start at the top of the crotch of the branch and angle slightly outward as you cut down then you will leave the right amount of wound. Also painting the wound is not necessary. Just make a clean cut.
Reply:Are u pruning for fruit prod. Bradford pears have small fruits if any on them.. To prune for fruit. Do inside out.. Make a clean cut at the collar 1/4 inch from it. Cut at an angle also.. This provides space needed for wind and pollination.. Cutting for shade, prune 1/2 of new growth on terminal twigs.
White Teeth