How to Prune an Umbrella Bradford Pear

Bradford pears are native to China and are grown throughout the United States for their ornamental features. The trees have lovely white blossoms in the spring and little brown fruit and red, orange and purple leaves in the fall. The Bradford pear tree can grow up to 40 feet tall with a 40-feet wide spread. It is hardy to U.S. Department of Agricultural zones 5a to 9a. Pruning the Bradford pear is necessary because it is prone to wind damage from weak wood.

Things You'll Need

• Pruners
• Loppers
• Saw

Instructions

1. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches from the Bradford pear tree as they occur. Remove the branches with the saw or loppers.

2. Prune the lateral branches around the tree's trunk. Space each branch about two to three feet from each other to avoid the branches breaking when the wind blows. Cut the branches off of the tree with the saw.

3. Remove all the suckers and water sprouts that grow along the trunk of the tree. Cut them off with the pruners.

4. Cut off any low growing foliage from the tree. Allow 10 to 15 feet of space under the tree for a full umbrella effect. Remove the lower branches with the saw.

References

• Clemson University: Bradford Pear
• University of Florida: Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford': 'Bradford' Callery Pear