Overgrown pear tree question.

[WildcatNurseryman]

I have two pretty large pear trees that are OUT OF CONTROL. They both stand 25-28' tall and I would like to prune them in a dramatic fashion in order to prevent storm damage and improve harvest. Anyone with past experience that can share any insight, I would be thankful. These trees were planted by my father who is now passed, so I would like to guarantee their health.

[JONA878]

Hi WCM.

Unlike overgrown apple trees you have to be far more careful with pears.
Especially when they are getting on a bit and have reached great hights.

Usually in a garden it is best to leave them alone and just enjoy the blossom and harvest the few pears that you can reach.
However if you feel that something must be done then here goes.

How low you can safely bring the tree depends an awfull lot on how low fresh wood is being produced on the tree.
In general it is safe to cut down to good growing wood....but be carefull that that wood is still producing new timber and is not just sitting there with no new growth occuring.

If in doubt then resduce the tree slowly over a couple of years.

Very old pear trees can be very reluctant to re-structure if hit too hard.

[!potatoes!]

yeah, a series of late winter (now) and late spring prunings over a couple of years is the way to go. you can encourage lower growth, but like jona says, you can't do too much at a time.

[WildcatNurseryman]

Thanks. It's going to be difficult to choose branches due to the unusual height and distance between branches. I cut the central leader out some years ago, but it is back in full-force and IMO needs to come done. I will take it easy and see what happens. Thanks again.

[valley]

Greetings, How low is your lowest branch?

[WildcatNurseryman]

I would say with-out looking at it 5 feet.