When can I prune a Bradford Pear Tree?

Question

It is unseasonably warm in North Georgia and I don't want to hurt or stunt the trees. They have buds on them.

Answer 1

You can prune it anytime. The "rules", as to when, are to avoid two things, neither of which are dangerous to the tree: 1) a tree pruned in springtime will "bleed" alot, (and it may be close enough to spring and warm enough for this to happen if you prune now). This excessive sap flow freaks the tree owner out but it does not hurt the tree; 2) by pruning before bloom time, you will cut off some of the blooms before they get to open, but that only affects you and your enjoyment of the tree this season. It does not hurt the tree either.
At any rate, do prune the tree, when it is still young, especially to thin out crowded branches. When the extremely crowded branches of a never-pruned Bradford Pear get old, big clusters of those weak branches will break out during even minor wind or ice storms, leaving the tree with a huge unsightly gash where the branch-clump broke out of the tree. Then the only option left to do then is cut down the whole tree.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
When can I prune a Bradford Pear Tree?
It is unseasonably warm in North Georgia and I don't want to hurt or stunt the trees. They have buds on them.

Answer 3

if they are budding, do NOT prune them. all trees need to be pruned in late fall or winter usually, but the warm weather has apparently screwed them up. if it frosts or such later, maybe they will go dormant again and you can do it then.

If for some reason you just have to prune them now, dont do any more than you have to, and seal the ends that you cut with..paint, grafting wax, something of the sort.

Answer 4

I'm not a fan of Brad pears. They are weak and are easily storm damaged. prune it to the ground!

but if you insist on keeping it, the previous answer is correct. trim after blooming or in the fall.

Answer 5

Trim them right down to the ground, buddy. They are a very inferior tree because of all the very narrow branching. The thick shade it provides will not allow enough light for your lawn and the roots will eventually be a problem. Because of the branching problem, it will be very vulnerable to wind damage. Not sure about borers, but might be another another Achille's heal.