Pruning Mature Bradford Pear: Selective Limb Removal

Structural Pruning for Weak-Angled Branches

Bradford pears develop dense, vertical limbs prone to splitting. Prune after bloom. Remove:

1. Thin vertical interior limbs.
2. Closely spaced major limbs—keep the more horizontal one.

Use three-cut method for large limbs: undercut, top cut out, final cut at branch collar. Don't "head back" limbs halfway—this creates weak regrowth. Remove entire limbs at origin.