Stopping Bradford Pear Fruit with Hormone Sprays

Chemical Thinning: The Only Reliable Way

Pruning won’t stop fruiting—it increases flowering. To eliminate the messy pears:

Spray Options

• Gibberellic acid (GA₃) – 1 week after petal fall.
• Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) – same timing; more complete thinning.
• Both are plant growth regulators, not restricted pesticides.

Application

Use a heavier concentration than for apple thinning—coat all flowers. Hire an arborist with a high‑pressure sprayer for a 20‑ft tree.

Resource

UMass Fruit Thinning Guide – adapt for pear.