This is how the perfect pruning succeeds

Different cutting requirements for the different types of pear

The columnar growth is genetically different in different cultivars of the columnar pear anchored and must therefore also be supported to varying degrees by cuts specifically made on the pear tree will. For example, the columnar pear variety 'Condora' is characterized by a relatively strong growth of the side shoots. So should a column shape be achieved or are retained, the side shoots must be shortened accordingly on a regular basis. This cut, known as “pinching”, on the other hand, is hardly necessary for a pear tree of the columnar pear variety 'Decora', as this variety grows all by itself in an almost perfect columnar shape.

The right time for the topiary

Since the dominant central shoot is very important for the fruit set in columnar pears, its growth should be accelerated by targeted pruning measures. Ideally, the following points should be observed when pruning from mid-June to the end of June:

• the side shoots each to about 2 to 3 buds or shorten a length of 10 to 15 cm
• start all pruning just above one eye / bud
• always work with clean, sharp secateurs
• Remove broken or dead branches promptly

When a columnar pear is around 7 years old, the central shoot should also be cut in order to regulate the growth in height and to force better branching.

Regulate the height in a targeted manner

If a pear tree is in the shape of a column (for example, for growing on a balcony) should remain particularly small, the pruning of the dominant central shoot can be done earlier than at the age of 7 years. However, with such a limitation of the Height growth It is to be expected that the side branching of the pillar, which is all the more pronounced, must be kept in check by appropriate cutbacks.