Don't Try to Change The Structure!

In this video we will discuss an open center pear tree and why it's important to work with the existing structure. We will see how upward growth will lay down under the weight of heavy fruit loads making your tree umbrella shaped and over grown. We will discuss the benefits of increased air flow and light penetration into the canopy.

[@nerinat8371]

Looks so much better 👍

[@fruitpruningchannel]

Thank you!

[@danripley41]

On the next fairly big pruning, would you take another 3rd off the top area? Only asking in order to be able to maintain and pick from ground level.

[@fruitpruningchannel]

I can only go as low as the scaffold branches allow me to. So really I've just been thinning and tipping all of the new growth to make room for the older spurs on the interior.

[@dansloan4736]

Why did you leave the big thick vertical leaders? Thanks!

[@fruitpruningchannel]

Normally those would come out when the tree is young, but removing the leaders now would leave nothing left on the tree. This is the point of this video. Sometimes you just have to work with what you have even if it's not an ideal form or structure.