Can I Prune Bartlett Pear Trees in the Spring?

Pruning Time

• Pear trees are generally pruned twice a year, once in summer and again in winter, as cited by Dick Strawbridge and James Strawbridge in "Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century." Spring is not advised as a recommended time for pruning Bartlett pear or any other pear variety. Trees are pruned lightly during summer with the major pruning done during the winter when trees are in their dormant state.

Summer Pruning Method

• The summer pruning of Bartlett pears is usually done on already trained trees that have an established shape and framework. Summer pruning involves the removal of long shoots with leaves. This reduces the growth of excessive shoots and encourages the growth of fruit buds at the base of these pruned shoots. Also remove any rootsuckers, watersprouts or infected tree areas during early summer or late summer after the fruit has been harvested.

Winter Pruning Method

• Winter pruning is performed when the tree is no longer actively growing. Winter pruning serves several purposes, primarily directing the growth of the branches, encouraging shoot development and reducing crowded branches. Directing the growth of shoots and branches helps to regulate the positioning and number of the fruit buds that will produce new flowers and fruit in spring.

Pruning Tips

• Time the pruning late in the dormant season as this reduces chances of cold injury to tree. When pruning Bartlett pears, make the cut just beyond a budding branch. When pruning, make sure branches are removed to increase light in inner tree areas. Select the less productive branches for removal. It is important to remove the less productive branches as this helps to improve the quality and size of fruit, leads to more uniform ripening and raises sugar content in the next harvest.