Winter Pruning Guide for Bradford Pear Trees

November is an excellent time to prune mature Bradford pears. With leaves gone, the tree's structure is fully visible, allowing you to correct the weak branch angles and crowded growth that characterize this species.

Pruning Priorities

• Remove vertical water sprouts in the canopy center—they produce few flowers and block airflow.
• Thin competing limbs spaced closer than 12 inches along the trunk. Keep the more horizontally oriented branch.
• Use the three-cut technique to prevent bark tearing: undercut, top cut, then final cut just outside the branch collar.

Proper winter pruning improves longevity, reduces storm damage risk, and enhances the tree's appearance.