Pear Tree Trimming

16 years ago

I have a pear tree which is about 20 years old. I never took care of this tree. Just this year I took care of it. pruning dead branches and spraying weekly. The tree rewarded me this year with beautiful crop. My problem is the tree is too tall for me to handle. In September or October if I get a tree service to cut 15-20 feet from the main branch. Is there any chemical I should apply to the cut to protect against disease. What is the best time of year to do it. Should I wait until it goes dormant?

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Comments (3)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years ago
trees heal themselves.. you do nothing to a wound.. other than cut it properly ....

i doubt any of the 'tree' peeps are going to be happy with you 'topping' a tree ....

why does your pear need spraying... of my limited experience with fruit trees .... pear tends to be one of the bulletproof ones.. that never needs spraying ...

in the long run.. you might be better off starting over with a dwarf variety ..... all and all, it might be cheaper in the long run.. rather than trying to force a giant into a small shape ... back in the day.. grandma's neighbor had a 60 footer ... which most likely, would have not appreciated being topped for ease of spraying ....

you might want to try the fruit forum also ... they do things much differently than the tree peeps ...

also.. where are you .. it might make a difference ....

you could mail order a named dwarf variety for under 40 bucks.. most likely ... is it worth paying a tree cutter a couple hundred to trim the one you have ...

try googling Stark brothers fruit trees.... to peruse named varieties ... dont know your zone or location.. so can not advise as to proper planting times this fall ...

ken
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
16 years ago
A "tree service" is not a "tree service" is not a "tree service". You should not have Billy Ray with a chainsaw in the back of his pickup - a "tree service" - cut into this tree. You should have an experienced orchardist - a "tree service" - cut into this tree. The tree service will explain that there is zero need to paint the wounds.

BTW, there is zero need to "spray weekly". This just kills everything, including the good bugs and wastes money and leaves poison residues on your fruit. There are plenty of fact sheets on The Google explaining how to care for fruit trees, including likely every county in your state's Extension Agency office.

Dan
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foolishpleasure
Original Author
16 years ago
First I am in central Maryland they call it Zone 7. I have no place for another tree. In my backyard I have 20 trees spaced and if I am going to start another pear tree I have to remove this one. Also it is difficult to kill an old friend. I will contact the extension of my county and ask their suggestions. As for spraying I think it is necessary but I will schedule once every three weeks. Apple Maggot destroys every thing.