Although they have a relatively short 20-year average lifespan, "Bradford" pear trees (Pyrus calleryana "Bradford") are treasured for their spectacular white flowers appearing in spring. This dense cloud of flowers originates from many vigorously growing limbs that often become tangled over time. Cutting the limbs back does not weaken this ornamental tree, but actually strengthens it. "Bradford" thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Natural Growth Habit
If you do not prune your "Bradford" consistently, its natural growth creates a weak limb structure -- high winds and rainstorms eventually split branches, and cause the entire tree to topple over, especially for specimens 10 years or older with their signature shallow root system. Growing 40-feet tall and wide, the limbs tend to grow in a vertical direction, creating an oval shape to the canopy. As the limbs press against one another, they tangle into a dense formation; the canopy becomes a virtual barrier to wind and rain. Acting as a sail, the canopy is battered during bad weather and significant damage occurs along the limbs.
Begin your pruning within the first two to three years when the tree is still young; thin limbs are easier to remove than older and larger branches. Select sickly or dead branches for removal first. Sanitize your pruning tools between branches, especially when you see signs of disease. Use a 1-to-1 ratio of isopropyl alcohol to water or a 1-to-3 ratio of bleach to water to soak your tools; rinse them thoroughly afterward. After choosing your central leader, or main tree trunk, systematically remove branches that are parallel and crowding the trunk. The strongest limbs are those with a horizontal growth habit at an approximate 45-degree angle from the central leader. Retain as many horizontal limbs as possible and train others to bend with time using limb spreaders. Acting as a brace between branches, spreaders simply hold two limbs away from one another as they grow into their new shape.
Aside from strengthening the "Bradford" against weather damage, pruning your tree allows more air and sunlight to penetrate the canopy. Foliage that was heavily shaded at the canopy's base can now photosynthesize more effectively for lush growth. Diseases relying on stagnant air, such as fungal growth, cannot proliferate because air constantly moves through the limbs. Additionally, the tree can direct its energy into more flower development rather than supporting dense limbs and struggling foliage -- you may have more flowers bloom next season.
If you need to remove some large limbs for an improved canopy structure, do not simply cut them from the central leader. You can easily injure yourself if the branch falls too quickly from the cut and the bark may tear below, causing possible disease and eventual dieback. Use a three-notch technique to remove the limb as an alternative. Saw partially into the limb from the bottom, approximately 2 feet away from the central leader. Cut completely through the limb from the top about 3 feet out from the central leader. With most of the branch removed at this point, you can cut flush with the branch collar to create a neat pruning appearance without harming the bark.
- The Old Farmer's Almanac: Pears
- Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service: Growing and Producing Pears in Oklahoma
- New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service: Fruit Trees for the Home Orchard: Varieties and Management
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Bradford Pear
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service: Pyrus Calleryana ‘Bradford’ ‘Bradford’ Callery Pear
- WalterReeves.com: Bradford Pear – Pruning
- Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford: How To Trim Large Tree Branches
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Disinfecting Pruning Tools