Is it okay to prune a pear tree at the end of April?
Question:
Is it okay to prune my pear tree now at the end of April? I would like to take some large branches off to change the shape for ease of mowing around it.
Answer:
Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant
It is always recommended to prune in early spring or late winter because pruning when a tree is dormant allows ample time for healing and puts less stress on the tree. I would take that into consideration especially if you are thinking about a significant amount of pruning. If buds haven’t broken on your pear tree and growth hasn’t started, I think you could get away to do a “late-ish” pruning if you really felt like you needed to. It’s usually a case of weighing out the various goals and benefits of your own landscape. Pruning a non dormant pear tree could cause it stress and affect the health of the tree, its flowering and yields, but if it is a healthy tree and the benefits of being able to access areas closer to the tree this season are high, then it could be worth it to you!