How Should You Trim a Bradford Pear Tree?

Pruning a Bradford pear tree keeps it healthy.

A Bradford pear tree can be a good addition to any home garden. It produces edible fruit and attractive flowers throughout its life. Part of caring for a Bradford pear tree involves pruning.

Spring

Prune the Bradford pear tree in the early spring before it has begun to produce leaf buds or flowers. Pruning the tree too late can stop the tree from fruiting and damage new growth.

What to Prune

Look for branches that have died or sustained damage. Dead and damaged branches can rot on the tree and provide a place for harmful fungi and insects to live. Check for diseased branches as well, as sick branches can spread disease to the rest of the Bradford pear tree and other parts of the garden.

Pruning Shears

Use pruning shears that are capable of cutting through thicker branches and keep a handsaw available for branches that are too big for the pruning shears. Cut off branches at an angle so that new growth can emerge from the cut. Make the cuts near the trunk of the Bradford pear tree or at an adjoining branch.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Bradford Pear Tree
• Purdue University Extension: Bradford Pear Damage

Resources

• Clemson University Extension: Bradford Pear