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When is best to prune a pear tree? I have a massive pear in SE London

Posted by Gabriel Padilla, on
When is best to prune a pear tree? I have a massive pear in SE London. Is it best to do this now in autumn or early in spring? Many thanks,
Harvey Fielding

Harvey Fielding

Hi Gabriel, Not really a quick answer for this, firstly if it is large, over 30 years old and in need of renovation due to the lack of care and pruning over the years then the "rule of thumb" is to cut it down plant another one and start again, as the chances of it giving you good amounts of disease free fruit in the future is unlikely. winter pruning promotes growth while summer pruning checks it, it may well need pruning in different ways and times over a couple of seasons to bring it into check and avoid shocking the tree. My best advice is to employ a professional with good experience to prune it for you, or replace the tree. hope this helps . Harvey

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