erob914
ArboristSite Member
I need some advice on pruning and maintaining a pear tree. I moved into my home July of 99. The tree was topped by the previous owner. The result of this is that the branches grew long and relativly thin. That year the tree produce a lot of pears. The weight broke a few of the branches so I decided that I needed to do somthing before the rest of the branches broke also.
That winter I cut the broken branches ( about 2 inches thick) back to the trunck. There were no other branches to cut back to. I also cut the all of the long branches back to a bud. For this tree that was pretty aggressive because it has a lot of long thin branches.
The next season (2000) we had a lot of rain (Atlanta,Ga) in the spring. Late spring through fall the tree had leaf spot. It also produced a lot of watersprouts which from what I understand is normal due to the pruning the previous year.
This winter I thinned the number of branches by cutting crossing, rubbing, and crowded branches. Its now looking like a more manageable tree.
My questions are:
Am I doing the right thing given the trees problem?
Is it true that pear production is plentiful one year and light the next?
What else can I do to help keep this tree healthy?
What should I look for a far as problems or complications as a result of the pruning?
The tree is about 6 to 8 inches in diameter at the base and is now at a modified height of about 12 to 15 feet. The tree has also produced two branches right below the offending toppng cut that could take the place of the central leader. It would look a little lopsided if I cut one off.
Any help would be appreatiated. Eric.
That winter I cut the broken branches ( about 2 inches thick) back to the trunck. There were no other branches to cut back to. I also cut the all of the long branches back to a bud. For this tree that was pretty aggressive because it has a lot of long thin branches.
The next season (2000) we had a lot of rain (Atlanta,Ga) in the spring. Late spring through fall the tree had leaf spot. It also produced a lot of watersprouts which from what I understand is normal due to the pruning the previous year.
This winter I thinned the number of branches by cutting crossing, rubbing, and crowded branches. Its now looking like a more manageable tree.
My questions are:
Am I doing the right thing given the trees problem?
Is it true that pear production is plentiful one year and light the next?
What else can I do to help keep this tree healthy?
What should I look for a far as problems or complications as a result of the pruning?
The tree is about 6 to 8 inches in diameter at the base and is now at a modified height of about 12 to 15 feet. The tree has also produced two branches right below the offending toppng cut that could take the place of the central leader. It would look a little lopsided if I cut one off.
Any help would be appreatiated. Eric.