When do you prune a Bradford pear?

Answer by  hibpmgirl (2166)

Usually when it gets close to winter, You dont want to prune the plant when it is still in season. The best time to do it is when it starts loosing its leaves. you have to be careful to not cut it too low or else it will kill the plant.

Answer by  drew76 (146)

First off, the best time to prune a Bradford pear is in the first few years of it's life. After this time, pruning may change the shape of the tree. Shorten any branch that is trying to grow next to the main branch and prune weaker branches next to trunk.

Answer by  lorel (274)

Like any other pear, or any other fruit tree for that matter, prune when the tree is dormant. In other words in the coldest winter month. In most areas, this is January or February. But if the temperatures rise early in your region, make sure you get to it before the buds even begin to swell in the pre-spring days.

Answer by  tschu (417)

First, you will need to remove any dead branches from the tree. Next, start at thr base of the tree leaving the lowest branch. Move up from there and remove a branch every 12 inches as you go up the tree. The reason for this is to allow air to circulate and light to enter the tree.