Brandford pear trees can be pruned in the winter or in the spring, after your tree has finished flowering. Bradford pears tend to grow vigorously so annual pruning might be necessary. Begin by removing any obviously dead branches or limbs and then prune to shape. I select the strongest and/or tallest trunk in the center of the tree to be the central leader. Shorten by half any other branch that is trying to grow parallel to the leader. Prune out the weaker of any two branches along the central trunk that have sprouted within 15 inches of each other. Keep in mind that in five years, pencil thin twigs will be five inches in diameter. When two big limbs grow closely together, either or both are weakly joined to the trunk. This can make the trees more susceptible to winter damage. Be sure to remove any branches that rub against a bigger branch or which pass within six inches of a bigger branch. This will keep the canopy open to good air circulation. Best wishes with your landscape.
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