We have a big and very old Pear tree (alas with Pear Trellis Rust) that is in need of pruning. Some research sources say to wait till the tree is completely dormant before pruning, other sources say to prune end of summer, early fall. We will prune lightly to let in light and for shape, as hard pruning will stimulate vigorous suckering (something to avoid in a small back garden tree). Any thoughts on the best time to prune? Also, how effective is the copper spray for rust? Thanks, Tara
thin in summer, prune in winter. copper spray is fairly effective but checkl your local bylaws for allowed pesticides.... :) and if you have a juniper in your yard, decide wether you would rather haveit, rather than the pear as a landscape plant. it seems that cold, dry weather is best for pruning as it is hard for the diseases to become motile without moisture.
Thanks for the timely pruning advice. Re Pear Trellis Rust, there are no junipers in the neighbourhood and the juniper tree in our yard was removed 30 years ago. The pear tree is about 75 years old. We've avoided using pesticide till now so probably will continue to do so (but we'll still check by-laws.) However, one should be aware of our coastal pear trellis rust problem before planting pears or junipers. Apparently J. horizontalis, J. communis and J.squamata are resistant species. Tara