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- Should I Trim My Bradford Pear Tree?
I'm sorry I didn't include photos. I believe my Bradford pear is the largest ever. My concern is that the limbs and branches are heavily weighted down when the leaves are out and could start to split. The tree is also leaning toward the road due to storm winds. Can and should I prune it somehow to avoid catastrophe? If so, can the original shape be maintained? Losing the tree would be heartbreaking. Thanks for your reply.
-Laurel H.
Most Bradford pears end their lives by splitting as they get older. There is an inherent structural problem with the way Bradford pears grow that leads to this. Pruning an older tree is not likely to make a significant difference.
That said, you may have an arborist come out and discuss your concerns and whether some selective pruning might help relieve some weight. This is not something you are knowledgeable enough to do yourself - you should use a professional. However, make sure the arborist knows you want to maintain the original shape. Make sure you understand what the arborist proposes to do and that it is what you want. Click here for information on selecting an arborist.
Dan Gill
Consumer Horticulture Specialist
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture