Pruning Bradford Pear and Growing Hazelnuts in Oklahoma

Bradford Pear Pruning Guide

When: After flowering (spring).
Why: Bradfords develop weak, vertical branches that split at 10–15 years if unpruned.

Young Tree Training (First 3–5 Years)

1. Remove dead/dying wood.
2. Select a central leader; shorten competing vertical branches by half.
3. Remove weaker of any two branches within 15 inches on the trunk.
4. Eliminate rubbing branches or those within 6 inches of a larger branch.
5. Keep branches with ≥45° attachment angles; use spreaders if needed.

Mature Tree Renovation

1. Remove thin vertical center limbs.
2. Thin crowded major limbs on the trunk—keep more horizontal ones.
3. Use three-cut technique for large limbs.

Hazelnuts in Oklahoma

• Plant two compatible cultivars for cross-pollination (e.g., 'Yamhill' + 'Jefferson').
• Hazelnuts only cross with other hazelnuts (Corylus spp.), not with pears or other nuts.
• Choose eastern filbert blight-resistant varieties.
• Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, space 15–20 feet.