Pear maintainance

[Reece]

Hi all.

I have a pear I bought from the market day in Auburn (back in march I think). The owner said it was 40 years old so the structure is basically all there.

It exploded with spring growth a couple of weeks ago. The buds sent out flowers and leaves. The flowers are all gone now and its left with about 4 leaves per bud.

Should I be removing any of these leaves?

On the older branches there was only one bud at the very tip. The majority of the tree is like this except for what looks like a few grafted branches that had growth all along the branch.

Thanks.

Reece.

[Freckl]

Hi Reece,

I think you will need to provide pictures to aid anyone to give you accurate advice.

[shibui]

I agree. Pictures are great to work from.
In general pears (and apples) produce 2 different types of shoots:
Vegetative growth which tends to be longer and relatively straight and smooth with buds well spaced out That might be what you described as

On the older branches there was only one bud at the very tip

but I can't see so only guessing.
Pears and apples also grow fruiting spurs. They tend to be short, and wrinkly and may be what you have described as

except for what looks like a few grafted branches that had growth all along the branch.

In which case they are probably not grafted but we can't tell because we can't see it.

Fruiting spurs only grow a little each year but produce bunches of flowers so we leave them alone unless they are too crowded.
Vegetative shoots grow quite long and straight. Unless you need branches to be longer these are cut right back close to the base whenever you prune the tree.
Don't cut leaves. They are the food factory for your tree. Prune long shoots to try to get the tree to make more fruiting spurs. Also feed the tree well over summer. Using fert designed for flowers and fruit type plants will definitely help with a good show of flowers next spring.

[Reece]

Ok thanks. I'll put some pictures up tomorrow....

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