How To Prune A Pear Tree: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Prune A Pear Tree » How To Prune A Pear Tree: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Prune a Pear Tree PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Erin Hostetler

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Removing Old Branches
    • |
  • Making Cuts on Your Tree
    • |
  • Shaping Your Tree
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Erin Hostetler. Erin Hostetler is an Edible Gardening Expert and the Owner & Farmer of The Patio Farmer, a small business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food, Erin specializes in providing consultations, installations, and custom maintenance plans for people wanting to grow food in small (or large) spaces at their homes and businesses. Erin loves teaching other people the magic of growing your own food. She's a firm believer that there is a green thumb in everyone! Erin has degrees from Appalachian State University and King's College London, both of which guided her to start her business. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 285,350 times.

Pruning your pear tree every year helps to promote its growth and ability to bear fruit in addition to protecting it from infections. You will want to prune in the winter and get rid of your tree’s oldest branches. Thin your tree out into a pleasing, effective shape to keep your tree happy and healthy.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Removing Old Branches

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Prune any dead or damaged branches. 1 Prune any dead or damaged branches. Dead, damaged or diseased wood should be removed starting with the origin of the damage. This may mean cutting an entire large area if it is all damaged or dead. You will know if an area is damaged or dead if it does not have leaves during growing season when the rest of the tree is in bloom.[1]
    • Removing dead or damaged branches is one of the few times it’s okay to prune your tree in the spring or summer.
  2. Step 2 Cut sprouts coming from the base of the trunk. 2 Cut sprouts coming from the base of the trunk. If you have sprouts growing down near the bottom of the tree out of the main trunk, these are called “suckers” and are actually part of the root system, not the fruiting system on top. They don’t have any purpose on your pear tree.[2]
    • Prune these spouts off right at their origin up against the trunk.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Remove straight vertical sprouts coming from main branches. 3 Remove straight vertical sprouts coming from main branches. If you see any suspiciously straight, vertical sprouts growing from a branch of your tree, that’s a "water sprout." They look different from other branches because they occur on main branches, have no curve, are somewhat short, and grow straight up toward the sky.[3]
    • Water sprouts have no purpose on your tree and should be cut at their point of origin on the main branch they’re growing out of.
  4. Step 4 Avoid cutting fruiting spurs most of the time. 4 Avoid cutting fruiting spurs most of the time. Fruiting spurs grow on branches that were originally grown two years previously, so you don’t need to worry about them on very young trees. They look like smaller curved branches growing off a main branch, with little bud-like shapes, or fruit buds, at the tip.[4]
    • Fruiting spurs usually take 1 or 2 years to grow fruit. The year after fruiting, another 1 or 2 fruit buds will appear in that spot.
    • After 6 or 7 years, the spur will become congested with fruit buds and then you can prune them to allow new fruiting spurs to grow elsewhere. The only other reason to cut them is if the branch is dead or damaged.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Making Cuts on Your Tree

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Prune during the winter on a dry day. 1 Prune during the winter on a dry day. Pruning your pear tree during its dormant season before it actively begins regrowth in the spring is best because the tree will put more energy into growing where it was pruned. Pruning during this time when the leaves are off the tree also allows for you to better see what you’re doing.[5]
    • You should also choose a dry day to prune your pear tree. If it’s raining or snowing when you cut your tree, there’s a higher risk of infection getting into the wet cuts.
  2. Step 2 Have a sharp, clean set of shears or pruning saw. 2 Have a sharp, clean set of shears or pruning saw. If your shears or saw are old and you’re not sure if they are sharp, you can either sharpen them yourself or take them to your local hardware store to have them sharpened for a small fee To clean your shears or saw yourself, dip the blades in isopropyl alcohol for 30 seconds to disinfect them, then wipe them dry with a clean towel.[6]
  3. Step 3 Make slanted cuts that are flush with the branches. 3 Make slanted cuts that are flush with the branches. Cuts that are slightly slanted will help deter water from soaking into the cut and having your branch get infected. You want to also want to make cuts right against the larger branch that the branch you're removing is growing from.[7]
    • Avoid leaving little stubs when you make cuts. Make a clean, slanted cut right up against the larger branch.[8]
  4. Step 4 Cut 10-20% of your tree each year. 4 Cut 10-20% of your tree each year. If your tree is healthy, aim to remove 10-20% of the overall canopy of your tree in one year. This will mean more for older trees, and not much at all for younger trees. If you prune too hard, your tree may produce the vigorous upright branches called water sprouts which will start to crowd your tree.[9]
    • If your pruning pile starts looking a little big, or more than 10-20% of your tree, it’s time to stop immediately. Wait until next year to prune more.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Shaping Your Tree

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Aim for a wine-glass shape with evenly spaced branches. 1 Aim for a wine-glass shape with evenly spaced branches. Overall, you want your pear tree to be shaped like a wine glass, with the trunk as the glass stem and the branches in an even, outwardly splayed growth. Allow for about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) of air space between healthy branches to allow for good air circulation and to reduce the risk of fungal infections.[10]
    • Occasionally step back from your tree and look at the overall shape as you’re pruning, to ensure that you’re getting the right shape and clearing away crowded areas effectively.
  2. Step 2 Remove branches that grow downward. 2 Remove branches that grow downward. You want your pear tree branches to grow outward and slightly upward. If you have branches that are growing downward, prune these at their point of origin at the bigger branch.[11]
    • Your overall goal is to have a tree with evenly spaced branches that splay out in a pleasing visual pattern from the center.
  3. Step 3 Prune branches that grow toward your tree’s center. 3 Prune branches that grow toward your tree’s center. Branches that grow against the main flow of outward, upward branches will crowd your other branches and cause an overall chaotic look in your tree. Prune these branches at their point of origin where they meet a bigger branch. [12]
  4. Step 4 Thin out competing branches. 4 Thin out competing branches. If you find two or more branches growing from a single space at a narrow angle, or from different points in a parallel fashion and they hover toward each other, choose the healthiest appearing branch to keep and prune the rest.[13]
    • The branch you keep should also have the best angle at its origin, which is around a 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock angle from the center of the tree. Branches with wider angles can break easily when they bear fruit.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Do pear trees need to be pruned? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Pruning isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help your tree produce stronger fruit-bearing branches, which will optimize your pear harvest. Pruning also helps control the size and shape of your tree. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 16
  • Question What month do you prune pear trees? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer It’s best to prune a pear tree in late winter, shortly before it begins budding. Aim to prune your tree in late February or early March. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 22
  • Question Can a pear tree be topped? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can top a young pear tree if absolutely necessary (e.g., if it’s gotten too tall for its space), but it’s not great for the tree. Topping a mature pear tree can be very damaging, and it won’t encourage the tree to produce more fruit. If your pear tree is too tall, do a light crown-reduction pruning while the tree is dormant instead of lopping the whole top off. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 31
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Follow all safety precautions and instructions when operating a pruning saw. Be sure to wear safety equipment, including eye protection, boots, long pants, and long sleeves. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Sharp and clean pruning shears or saw
  • Ladder

You Might Also Like

Prune Plum TreesHow to Prune a Plum Tree for a Beautiful Shape & Fruit Production Prune Apple TreesHow to Prune an Apple Tree to Grow Better Fruit Prune a TreeHow toPrune a Tree Prune a Peach TreeHow to Prune Young and Mature Peach Trees Prune Pomegranate TreesHow toPrune Pomegranate Trees Prune Apricot TreesHow toPrune Apricot Trees Trim Maple TreesHow toTrim Maple Trees Prune Old Apple TreesHow to Prune, Restore, & Maintain Old Apple Trees Grow Pear Trees from SeedHow toGrow Pear Trees from Seed Prune a Crabapple TreeHow to Trim a Crabapple for Healthier Growth & a Better-Shaped Tree Prune Citrus TreesWhen and How to Prune Citrus Trees Prune a Lemon TreeHow and When to Prune Your Lemon Tree Prune a Cherry TreeHow and When to Prune a Cherry Tree Prune Grape Vines for WinterHow toPrune Grape Vines for Winter Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  2. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  3. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  4. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-400-training-pruning-your-home-orchard
  5. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/apples/pruning-made-easy
  6. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  7. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  8. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart-gardening-pruning-and-training-backyard-apple-and-pear-trees
  9. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/apples/pruning-made-easy
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/2019/09/16/formative-pruning-vase-form-how-to-prune-young-fruit-trees-in-the-first-three-years/
  2. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  3. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/
  4. ↑ https://modernfarmer.com/2015/02/right-cut/

About This Article

Erin Hostetler Reviewed by: Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert This article was reviewed by Erin Hostetler. Erin Hostetler is an Edible Gardening Expert and the Owner & Farmer of The Patio Farmer, a small business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food, Erin specializes in providing consultations, installations, and custom maintenance plans for people wanting to grow food in small (or large) spaces at their homes and businesses. Erin loves teaching other people the magic of growing your own food. She's a firm believer that there is a green thumb in everyone! Erin has degrees from Appalachian State University and King's College London, both of which guided her to start her business. This article has been viewed 285,350 times. 34 votes - 90% Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 2, 2025 Views: 285,350 Categories: Growing Trees and Shrubs Article SummaryX

To prune a pear tree, wait until a dry winter day since pruning during the dormant season will encourage new growth during the spring. When you're ready to get started, use sharp shears or a pruning saw to remove branches that grow downward or in toward the center of the tree. You should also thin out any branches that are competing for space, aiming for a wine-glass shape with evenly-spaced branches. For more tips from our Horticulture co-author, like how to prune off old branches on a pear tree, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish German French Russian Portuguese Dutch Indonesian Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 285,350 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • J. J.

    J. J.

    Apr 14, 2019

    "I was not familiar with pruning a pear tree. I did some pruning last year beginning of winter, but nothing like the..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Erin Hostetler Reviewed by: Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 2, 2025 Views: 285,350 90% of readers found this article helpful. 34 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote J. J.

J. J.

Apr 14, 2019

"I was not familiar with pruning a pear tree. I did some pruning last year beginning of winter, but nothing like the..." more Pepsi Caparelli

Pepsi Caparelli

May 6, 2017

"I found it very informative, easy to understand and the pictures were of a great help. Thank you for your input and..." more Lucinda Sweet

Lucinda Sweet

Apr 26, 2020

"I didn't know how to treat my 5-year old pear tree until I read this. This information was great, thank you." Allan Pate

Allan Pate

Oct 18, 2022

"I now know what to keep and what to prune. Looking forward to a healthier pear tree next year. Thanks." Stuart Peters

Stuart Peters

Feb 21, 2023

"Helped me to rejuvenate my old and decreped pears of some age and poor maintenance historic care." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Finish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Die QuizWhen Will I Die QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Prune Plum TreesHow to Prune a Plum Tree for a Beautiful Shape & Fruit ProductionPrune Apple TreesHow to Prune an Apple Tree to Grow Better FruitPrune a TreeHow toPrune a TreePrune a Peach TreeHow to Prune Young and Mature Peach Trees

Featured Articles

115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality Test

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizCollege Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?College Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?How Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

Dress for WinterHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas Give Someone a Great GiftHow to Give Someone a Great GiftWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks

Featured Articles

Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizGet Claimed by Your Godly Parent (Percy Jackson Quiz)Get Claimed by Your Godly Parent (Percy Jackson Quiz)Am I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry Quiz170+ Deep, Heartfelt & Passionate Love Messages to Send Your Guy170+ Deep, Heartfelt & Passionate Love Messages to Send Your GuyThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)

Quizzes & Games

What Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizCan We Guess Your Birthday QuizCan We Guess Your Birthday QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Gardening
  • Planting and Growing
  • Growing Trees and Shrubs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --712

Tag » How To Prune A Pear Tree