Great and comprehensive tutorial. I have one I planted about 12 years ago. It has jetted really high on the main center and now I need to do a large pruning from the top. This gives me more confidence that I'm not going to kill my tree. Thanks for the video
Incredible wealth of knowledge. Highly organized, thoughtful and well presented video. I learned so much in 22 minutes, thank you, it was a blast to watch and I even laughed a few times. This was a great class, you’re a greater teacher.
Love the videos, and your horticultural expertise. I have to say though, as a professional arborist, we do are snap cuts 8-12" from the branch collar, and once the weight is off; then we do a proper finishing cut. This allows a person to cut faster on the initial snap cut, and be more focused on dealing with the weight of the large branch a bit more safely. It also allows the arborist to be more free from potential hazards to focus on a perfect finishing cut. Even with a snap cut, when dealing with large branches in awkward places, branches can peel back significantly, especially once the sap starts to flow a bit. So taking the wight off at a safe distance from the collar, prior to initiating the finishing cut. Helps insure you won't have problems with accidentally peeling the bark, and it also allows for a very beautiful finishing cut. Enjoy those pears, and prune every year! Cheers!
I just purchased a tree, I live in upstate NY and the weather is Soo cold, today is very icy, I have the the tree still in the pot, when is a good time to plant
Thanks! Outstanding instruction. This is my first year with pear trees on our new property and I now feel comfortable going out and dealing with these moderately overgrown/neglected trees.
Great video! This is the best video I’ve watched showing how to prune a gnarly, old fruit tree. It’s March 11th here in northern Illinois and I walked out the back porch this morning and freaked when I saw daffodils already coming up and buds on my pear tree already. I hadn’t gotten out to prune early because I figured I still had a little time. Your video was reassuring that it wasn’t too late since Michigan and Illinois are similar in climate. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.
Thank you so much for your comprehensive tutorial. My pear trees did exactly the wrong thing last year -loaded with fruit then started snapping branches. I am now headed out to see if I can produce better results this year. As far as tool go, I have all the same ones you demonstrated. But rather than wear my arms out with pruning saws I am going to use by 20-volt cordless dewalt saw-all. Wish me luck.
I have an eight-year-old pear tree about 4' from the road in front of my home. The tallest branches were getting close to touching the power lines. I already trimmed all of that and searched and found your video before getting started on phase two. Next, I will be removing the smallest half of a double trunk-like branch emerging vertically from the main single trunk. Your video is helpful, so thanks!
Thank you! This was very helpful, especially learning about the overall desired shape for the tree, the best tools to use, and doing heading cuts before thinning cuts.
Thank you for covering the "re-growth" around the callus....this drove me absolutely nuts on a few apple trees....thought I had done something "wrong" but now I understand! thank you for your wisdom!!!
I've inherited care of some overgrown and neglected fruit trees as a complete novice. I've watched dozens of videos on pruning, some of them very good. But this is far and away, the best. Thank you, Sir.
Pruning has ALWAYS been a mystery to me, until now. Your basic explanations of why and how is what I have been looking for all these years. I cant wait to get into my yard tomorrow. I have 43 years worth of trees to take care of! Thanks so much......
Thank you so much! I just got a cabin from the very late 1700s and it has a pear tree I think is around 150 years old! Most of the videos on RUclips are horrible but this was very informative!
I came upon your video by accident, and I'm glad I did. I have learned more from this one video than all the other videos I have watched put together. You are very good at explaining what to do, and why you do it. I am an average homeowner with only one peach tree. You have taken all the fear out of "Doing it wrong" from me, and for that I thank you. I live in northwest Indiana about 35 miles from the southern tip of Lake Michigan, and I have one question. When is the best time for me to prune my peach tree for my climate, and will I still get fruit this year after pruning? Once again thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Prune as late as possible (Late April to early May) just in case you get a late freeze. You should get fruit after pruning. The flower buds are already present which grew late last summer.
Thanks so much for this production good sir! I just acquired an old mostly forested homestead in western Appalachia and with it inherited a beautiful old pear tree that needs some love. Keep up the great work!
I know this is from several years ago but I wanted to say thanks. We moved to a farm property a year ago and there are several over-grown fruit trees, including pears. I appreciate your informative video. Once I have the pear trees freed from the over growth around the base I can go back and thin them out so we can get optimum harvest. Again, thanks!
Gary, so GLAD to see this video. I have been searching and searching for videos on the proper way to prune a plum tree (although I am sure that this video will more than suffice). Your site is simply the best example of how to trim a mature fruit tree. All the other videos are extremely wanting compared to yours! I was very happy to see that you have about 36 more videos available. I'll pour myself a long, hot cup of coffee and watch them. THANKS, GARY! You rule!
Great video. Thank you so much. I have a Bartlett Pear that is 3 years old that I have never pruned. I am going to prune it this weekend as we have warmer weather today in Texas. I just don't want to mess it up. Your video is so helpful.
Excellent! Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge. I have two Pear trees that go straight up about 30 feet, they are only 5 years old. Every time I prune them, all the new growth shoots straight up as well. I really feel like I need to get this tree spread out, and maybe not so tall.
Gary thanks. I have seen a few pear prune vids. I appreciate that you explained an individual step and then highlighted on video what you explained. Then highlighted another principle by the same process. I think your career prepared you for that process, and we benefited. So in summary I believe that I better understand what I need to concentrate on and what tools will be required. Also I need to be patient in the process that may take 2-3 years to give desired results. You could have done that tree in 2 hours, but stated it took 4 hours that included your comments and videotaping, also a helpful tip. Bless you brother for your selfless tips. Maranatha.
Gary thank you so much for putting this video together! My family and I just moved into a house this past Fall that has a beautiful pear tree in the yard so this video will definitely come in handy. Thank you for the tool recommendations as well.
Top man Gary. Been looking at my pear tree for 2 years figuring out what to do with it. After watching this my butchery skills will now be put to the test. Wish me luck
Just remember that a lot of pruning will cause the tree to respond. Check out my latest on tips on pruning and training fruit trees, which will help to reduce the vigorous re-growth. ruclips.net/video/0qDEr-J5wig/видео.html
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Didn't get to pruning before our pear trees budded and thought it was too late. Thankful for the tool-tips, including safety glasses!
Very very helpful! This is exactly what my pear tree needs. It's growing straight up in the middle to the sky with long shoots. Must have been neglected I just bought the house. Thank you thank you!
BTW - does not look butchered at all IMO - it looks wonderful! And it’s probably really grateful for the haircut! Thank you, again, for the excellent demonstration!
"I know what I want, and the tree is just gonna have to deal with it.". Love it! Great video! Helped me alot! I've got a huge, neglected pear tree that needs much pruning, whether it likes it, or not. :)
Hi Gary, I live in Western Australia but of course the same rules apply. I really like the way you keep to the subject without too many side issues. Great job, really enjoyed your video and now I've got a good handle on pruning pears, thank you so much.
This is the first of your videos I have watched. I'm really impressed with your ability to teach this subject that you apparently love. I liked the idea that you mentioned you were 60 years old (I'm 65) I just bought a house with over 50 Bradford pear trees that are in need of pruning. I'm thinking of doing some emergency trimming for now and work some more in the fall here in the Northern part of South Carolina. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks.
Greetings from Rural NE California! I have been an arborist since the 1980s. I have written in, here, to be supportive. EVERYTHING you did and said in this video was GOOD, RIGHT & PROPER. All your tools were the best variety. I appreciate the close-up views of your saws. That tooth design is the TRI EDGE saw. And I have good news. The tri edge saw can be sharpened with a thin file called the FEATHER FILE. These are not a common file. But can be found online by doing a search for Feather Files. I think Amazon has them as well. Tri edge saw sharpening with feather files is demonstrated in at least two You Tube videos. Sorry I don't have an address for you. Just enter these things in the RUclips search. Tools can be sanitized with alcohol. I take a spray bottle with me to every pruning job. And alcohol helps remove sap from tools and hands. I know you know what you are doing. And very well too. I write in here to be supportive. You Tube has a few goofy videos on many subjects. Like chain saw sharpening as well as pruning fruit trees. I want folks to know that you are reliable and skillful. Many people ask me about pruning. I have found that it gives them plenty to think about when I tell them that it is largely about proper cuts, and in the right places. I let it go at that unless the conversation takes it farther. SO! Thank you for your good work, and a very recommendable video. I like to have good, easy to use resources for people. And you are on the list. Thank you, Michael.
Glad you mentioned the alcohol. I was advised to spray cutting surfaces between trees to avoid spreading diseases. Also, but maybe for late summer pruning, which is done for a different reason, heading back fruiting spurs to three buds away from the main branch or trunk will encourage good fruit bud formation before winter dormancy. Do you agree or can you add any other info? I am in Northern 😮California foothills. I haven’t had enough breaks in snow and rain to be able to prune my old apple trees yet.
Very informative video. We bought a farm in Virginia last year and I am finally brave enough to even think about trimming these huge pear trees. I am scared as heck but after watching your video I feel more comfortable. It is late April here but I feel it is time.
wow Gary, by far the best pruning tips for an older pear tree far better than any thing I've seen on here. I have a 25 year plus tree not looking too good I was just going to cut down but now I'm going to get busy on it in a couple weeks. Thanks you so much for your efforts with this vid
That was really helpful. So well explained with nothing superfluous. I normally can't sit through a video longer than 10 minutes because there is so much unnecessary chit chat. This video is twice my limit and not of second of wasting time.
I thank you for the teaching aid that you have provided. My oldest daughter bought a house with a fruit garden. Some of the pear and apple trees have centers that are 30' tall. What suggestion would you have on cutting those tall centers down to a more proper ratio with the rest of the trees? Please continue your teaching us even though you have retired. Thanks again.
Fred Moretz just bought a home with two beautiful pear trees, but they are at least 30, maybe 40ft high. Not sure how to remove the large center branches without damaging the overall health of the tree.
So very helpful to me. I have a small orchard of just over 20 young trees just south of you in LeRoy, and I'm trying to give them all good shape a structure. I just found your videos a couple days ago, and they are excellent!. Thank you!
You continue to educate and inspire me as a certified arborist/ fruit crop specialist. Thank you for your videos. I hope someday I get to prune fruit trees with you. Who knows? May I suggest recommending a helmet while in the tree or on a ladder? OSHA requires head protection for commercial tree workers, Homeowners should follow suit IMHO.
Dawn Hughes Good idea , I have had limbs fall on my head, ouch and how ,I have shoved little branches in my eye. I have sawed my left index finger and thumb nuckle with pruning saw numerous times . So the job can be accomplished with minor injuries
Not my idea. Helmets are PPE require by OSHA and ANSI for professional tree workers. I have suffered a number of concussions over the years and try to help others avoid my past mistakes.
Great video on pruning a pear tree! I especially liked your showing your tools before you get started and why you bought them, what to use them for. I will be going to the hardware store next!!
Paul I have got a mature overgrown Pear tree that only produces small fruit. This video was a great help as I have not pruned it before. By the way I'm in the UK. Thanks
One of the better pruning videos I have seen. I have a Bartlett and a Asian pear that I planted about 20 years ago and have not pruned. Going to be a challenge but you made it look nonintimidating. Wisconsin here so in a month or so I will give her a try....
Excellent video Mr. Garry, clear ideas, easy to follow, and safety focused approach which is good for spring chickens like myself just as well as for retirees. It looks like you have been paid all your life for pursuing your hobby :). I will check the summer pruning follow up. Best regards from Ontario, CA.
Yes I really enjoyed my job. Few people have the opportunity to be on national TV, live local TV and radio, in newspapers, magazines, etc. but I never really thought it was a big deal. I just love to teach and meet new people.
The tree looks really good. You took lots off as can be seen by the pile on the ground but the tree really needed a good pruning. I am wondering though when was the last time this tree was pruned? my guess would be 2 to 3 years..
Well thought out production. It is obvious that you are extremely knowledgeable in this subject. Thank you for taking the time to produce this informative video!
Thank you for this great video. I live in a southern state on the east coast. I have a pear tree which is approximately 12 years old. It was loaded in 2018 but did not bear much in 2019 or 2020. I didn't get any this year because of the late freeze we had in April. When is the best time to prune and cut it back - is it okay to top it off? I don't want it to grown any taller.
Thank you for this video sir. You've helped me understand what cutting tools we need. Do you paint the tree to prevent boring insects and prevent sunscald? Or spray with clay?We bought a bosc pear last year. It has two main centre branches and four side branches. I put attachments on the lower ones to make them go more horizontal. This year we bought a pear tree that had four grafts. Not really sure what to do to make sure they grow more horizontally. If pressure is put on them will it damage the grafts? I'm only 5'3" female age 65 and want a lower tree for easy harvest. I realize this was put out at least 6 years ago. Hope this finds you well.
Nicely done, Gary. Fantastic instructional video. I have a very badly overgrown pear that has been calling my name since we moved in a couple of years ago. I'm a shade younger than you, so you've inspired me!
Very detailed and informative video! I recently moved to a property with very tall, mature trees and was looking for something to demonstrate how to tackle it, this video was just what the dr. Ordered! Also wanted to share, for those who have electric or battery powered sawzall's Milwaukee makes an awesome pruning blade that makes pruning a snap, especially for the large branches!
Thank you for taking the time to give me some feedback. I am pleased that the video was helpful. I will check out the product you mentioned. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for the showing us the correct way to trim a fruit tree. I wish I could have some of your trimmings so I could try to graft onto my tree's. Grafting is something I am trying to learn now.
Will search your site to see when to spray and what to spray. Already started pruning here in northern middle Tennessee just to get a handle on yard work, and yard work to come.....
I was wondering if I could prune when the tree started budding since I missed doing it in the winter. Thx for answering that question. I’m headed out to do that now.
Great video! I too am an agressive pruner and would like to do exactly that on my pear tree, but in July. I am unable to be here before the tree leafs out, so am wondering if I will kill the tree if I do this agressive pruning in July. I do not care if I lose fruit, I just do not want to kill the tree. Does any body know? Also, my favorite pruning tool for larger branches is a battery operated recipricating saw with a pruning blade. I love it!
Wow! This video eliminates my fear of cutting branches to reduce pear tree height. My trees want to grow vertical and grow long legged branches. Thank you.
Great video Gary. Thanks for doing it. I just bought two pear trees and i'm trying to learn how to prune them. I'm not sure why but i can't quite tell if the shape of this tree is open vase, or a central leader? What's best for pears?? Can you do both?
If there's one thing I've learned over the years with pruning pear and apple trees, it's that every time I think, "Well, I don't want to prune too much off," I always end up thinking, "Yeah, I should have pruned more off," come the end of summer and all the new growth that comes in
I do have a couple of pole mounted chain saws. I do have some trees that are getting big and thick and so they badly need pruning. Picking fruit in tall trees is hard and I can not find orchard ladders near by and I will have to fabricate something that is light and safe. So far I have not had to spray my apples or pears, but all my stone fruit have curculio. I only grow disease resistant pears and apples in northwest Florida. If they get blight, an adult resistant tree will recover from it and if not, it obviously was not a tree intended for my orchard. I will now get back to watching the video.
Knowledgeable. A lot of gardening it's to do with aesthetics and being meticulous. The end result on this particular task was exactly that and ultimately appealing to the eye. I'm pretty novice on this so, I apply Aesthetics and Meticulous all the time. It's possible Id made mistakes, who hasn't even Monty, can tell you, what It's important is to review, to research and keep learning, so in the event of an error this will be small ones. Actually I did this yesterday pruning an apple tree and I ready can tell that after watching your video I make a few but overall a good result. Greetings from London.
Great and comprehensive tutorial. I have one I planted about 12 years ago. It has jetted really high on the main center and now I need to do a large pruning from the top. This gives me more confidence that I'm not going to kill my tree. Thanks for the video
Incredible wealth of knowledge. Highly organized, thoughtful and well presented video. I learned so much in 22 minutes, thank you, it was a blast to watch and I even laughed a few times. This was a great class, you’re a greater teacher.
Agree - Gary's a really great teacher!
Thanks,I've got an 80 to 100 year old pear tree that needs pruning badly this video goes a long way in helping me out. Thanks!
Love the videos, and your horticultural expertise. I have to say though, as a professional arborist, we do are snap cuts 8-12" from the branch collar, and once the weight is off; then we do a proper finishing cut. This allows a person to cut faster on the initial snap cut, and be more focused on dealing with the weight of the large branch a bit more safely. It also allows the arborist to be more free from potential hazards to focus on a perfect finishing cut. Even with a snap cut, when dealing with large branches in awkward places, branches can peel back significantly, especially once the sap starts to flow a bit. So taking the wight off at a safe distance from the collar, prior to initiating the finishing cut. Helps insure you won't have problems with accidentally peeling the bark, and it also allows for a very beautiful finishing cut. Enjoy those pears, and prune every year! Cheers!
I agree 100%. The branch I cut was not that large so I skipped a step.
@@GaryHeilig I learned about snap cuts on another video, but I appreciated you trick of doing a small cut at the bottom to prevent peeling.
I just purchased a tree, I live in upstate NY and the weather is Soo cold, today is very icy, I have the the tree still in the pot, when is a good time to plant
Thanks! Outstanding instruction. This is my first year with pear trees on our new property and I now feel comfortable going out and dealing with these moderately overgrown/neglected trees.
I just found this to be so relaxing and soothing. Thank you.
Great video! This is the best video I’ve watched showing how to prune a gnarly, old fruit tree. It’s March 11th here in northern Illinois and I walked out the back porch this morning and freaked when I saw daffodils already coming up and buds on my pear tree already. I hadn’t gotten out to prune early because I figured I still had a little time. Your video was reassuring that it wasn’t too late since Michigan and Illinois are similar in climate. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.
love the sound of the birds in the background too
I want to add my personal thank you for posting this video, it helped a lot.
I am glad that it did. I have a lot of pruning videos yet to be make. Keep watching.
“I know what I want and the tree is just going to have to deal with it.” Haha! I love it. Great information
Thank you so much for your comprehensive tutorial. My pear trees did exactly the wrong thing last year -loaded with fruit then started snapping branches. I am now headed out to see if I can produce better results this year. As far as tool go, I have all the same ones you demonstrated. But rather than wear my arms out with pruning saws I am going to use by 20-volt cordless dewalt saw-all. Wish me luck.
I have an eight-year-old pear tree about 4' from the road in front of my home. The tallest branches were getting close to touching the power lines. I already trimmed all of that and searched and found your video before getting started on phase two. Next, I will be removing the smallest half of a double trunk-like branch emerging vertically from the main single trunk. Your video is helpful, so thanks!
Thank you! This was very helpful, especially learning about the overall desired shape for the tree, the best tools to use, and doing heading cuts before thinning cuts.
Thank you for covering the "re-growth" around the callus....this drove me absolutely nuts on a few apple trees....thought I had done something "wrong" but now I understand! thank you for your wisdom!!!
I've inherited care of some overgrown and neglected fruit trees as a complete novice. I've watched dozens of videos on pruning, some of them very good. But this is far and away, the best. Thank you, Sir.
Pruning has ALWAYS been a mystery to me, until now. Your basic explanations of why and how is what I have been looking for all these years. I cant wait to get into my yard tomorrow. I have 43 years worth of trees to take care of! Thanks so much......
Thank you so much! I just got a cabin from the very late 1700s and it has a pear tree I think is around 150 years old! Most of the videos on RUclips are horrible but this was very informative!
I love the way you explain so thoroughly. Thank you!
I came upon your video by accident, and I'm glad I did. I have learned more from this one video than all the other videos I have watched put together. You are very good at explaining what to do, and why you do it. I am an average homeowner with only one peach tree. You have taken all the fear out of "Doing it wrong" from me, and for that I thank you. I live in northwest Indiana about 35 miles from the southern tip of Lake Michigan, and I have one question. When is the best time for me to prune my peach tree for my climate, and will I still get fruit this year after pruning? Once again thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Prune as late as possible (Late April to early May) just in case you get a late freeze. You should get fruit after pruning. The flower buds are already present which grew late last summer.
Thanks so much for this production good sir! I just acquired an old mostly forested homestead in western Appalachia and with it inherited a beautiful old pear tree that needs some love.
Keep up the great work!
I know this is from several years ago but I wanted to say thanks. We moved to a farm property a year ago and there are several over-grown fruit trees, including pears. I appreciate your informative video. Once I have the pear trees freed from the over growth around the base I can go back and thin them out so we can get optimum harvest. Again, thanks!
Gary, so GLAD to see this video. I have been searching and searching for videos on the proper way to prune a plum tree (although I am sure that this video will more than suffice). Your site is simply the best example of how to trim a mature fruit tree. All the other videos are extremely wanting compared to yours! I was very happy to see that you have about 36 more videos available. I'll pour myself a long, hot cup of coffee and watch them. THANKS, GARY! You rule!
Thanks so much for your comments. You can use the same principles for plum trees. I would wait until early spring just before bud break to prune.
the straightforward instructions are greatly appreciated
So far, and after viewing many videos, this is the best. Thank you Gary!
Great video. Thank you so much. I have a Bartlett Pear that is 3 years old that I have never pruned. I am going to prune it this weekend as we have warmer weather today in Texas. I just don't want to mess it up. Your video is so helpful.
Excellent! Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge. I have two Pear trees that go straight up about 30 feet, they are only 5 years old. Every time I prune them, all the new growth shoots straight up as well. I really feel like I need to get this tree spread out, and maybe not so tall.
Gary thanks. I have seen a few pear prune vids. I appreciate that you explained an individual step and then highlighted on video what you explained. Then highlighted another principle by the same process. I think your career prepared you for that process, and we benefited. So in summary I believe that I better understand what I need to concentrate on and what tools will be required. Also I need to be patient in the process that may take 2-3 years to give desired results. You could have done that tree in 2 hours, but stated it took 4 hours that included your comments and videotaping, also a helpful tip. Bless you brother for your selfless tips. Maranatha.
Gary thank you so much for putting this video together! My family and I just moved into a house this past Fall that has a beautiful pear tree in the yard so this video will definitely come in handy. Thank you for the tool recommendations as well.
Top man Gary. Been looking at my pear tree for 2 years figuring out what to do with it. After watching this my butchery skills will now be put to the test. Wish me luck
Just remember that a lot of pruning will cause the tree to respond. Check out my latest on tips on pruning and training fruit trees, which will help to reduce the vigorous re-growth.
ruclips.net/video/0qDEr-J5wig/видео.html
@@GaryHeilig Your advice is fantastic, ive just done pear tree and both apple trees on my allotment, extremely happy with them. Cheers mate.
This is the best video that I have ever seen on pruning pear trees .
Awesome video. After watching a half dozen, this was the most useful. Thank you
You are very welcome. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Didn't get to pruning before our pear trees budded and thought it was too late. Thankful for the tool-tips, including safety glasses!
Thank you so much for this video! It helped me prune a neglected pear tree! I can't wait for growing season next year.
Very very helpful! This is exactly what my pear tree needs. It's growing straight up in the middle to the sky with long shoots. Must have been neglected I just bought the house. Thank you thank you!
BTW - does not look butchered at all IMO - it looks wonderful! And it’s probably really grateful for the haircut! Thank you, again, for the excellent demonstration!
Being 70 I had to think about the BTW and IMO but, i figured it out.
Thank you for watching and support of the channel.
"I know what I want, and the tree is just gonna have to deal with it.". Love it!
Great video! Helped me alot! I've got a huge, neglected pear tree that needs much pruning, whether it likes it, or not. :)
Hi Gary, I live in Western Australia but of course the same rules apply. I really like the way you keep to the subject without too many side issues. Great job, really enjoyed your video and now I've got a good handle on pruning pears, thank you so much.
Greeting Mate: Thank you for your kind works. I hope to get to Australia one day since my wife and I are gold prospectors (as well as gardeners)
This is the first of your videos I have watched. I'm really impressed with your ability to teach this subject that you apparently love. I liked the idea that you mentioned you were 60 years old (I'm 65) I just bought a house with over 50 Bradford pear trees that are in need of pruning. I'm thinking of doing some emergency trimming for now and work some more in the fall here in the Northern part of South Carolina. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks.
The best thing to do with those useless Bradford pears is cut them down, them grind the stumps.
A very well instructed pruning video on a larger fruit tree specimen. Thanks Gary.
Greetings from Rural NE California!
I have been an arborist since the 1980s. I have written in, here, to be supportive.
EVERYTHING you did and said in this video was GOOD, RIGHT & PROPER. All your tools were the best variety.
I appreciate the close-up views of your saws. That tooth design is the TRI EDGE saw. And I have good news. The tri edge saw can be sharpened with a thin file called the FEATHER FILE. These are not a common file. But can be found online by doing a search for Feather Files. I think Amazon has them as well.
Tri edge saw sharpening with feather files is demonstrated in at least two You Tube videos. Sorry I don't have an address for you. Just enter these things in the RUclips search.
Tools can be sanitized with alcohol. I take a spray bottle with me to every pruning job. And alcohol helps remove sap from tools and hands.
I know you know what you are doing. And very well too. I write in here to be supportive. You Tube has a few goofy videos on many subjects. Like chain saw sharpening as well as pruning fruit trees. I want folks to know that you are reliable and skillful.
Many people ask me about pruning. I have found that it gives them plenty to think about when I tell them that it is largely about proper cuts, and in the right places. I let it go at that unless the conversation takes it farther.
SO! Thank you for your good work, and a very recommendable video. I like to have good, easy to use resources for people. And you are on the list.
Thank you,
Michael.
Ditto, what he said !!!
Glad you mentioned the alcohol. I was advised to spray cutting surfaces between trees to avoid spreading diseases. Also, but maybe for late summer pruning, which is done for a different reason, heading back fruiting spurs to three buds away from the main branch or trunk will encourage good fruit bud formation before winter dormancy. Do you agree or can you add any other info? I am in Northern 😮California foothills. I haven’t had enough breaks in snow and rain to be able to prune my old apple trees yet.
You're my new favorite pruning guy!!!! Thanks so much!!!!
Very informative video. We bought a farm in Virginia last year and I am finally brave enough to even think about trimming these huge pear trees. I am scared as heck but after watching your video I feel more comfortable. It is late April here but I feel it is time.
wow Gary, by far the best pruning tips for an older pear tree far better than any thing I've seen on here. I have a 25 year plus tree not looking too good I was just going to cut down but now I'm going to get busy on it in a couple weeks. Thanks you so much for your efforts with this vid
That was really helpful. So well explained with nothing superfluous. I normally can't sit through a video longer than 10 minutes because there is so much unnecessary chit chat. This video is twice my limit and not of second of wasting time.
Great tutorial video! I may tackle pruning my pear tree today.
I thank you for the teaching aid that you have provided. My oldest daughter bought a house with a fruit garden. Some of the pear and apple trees have centers that are 30' tall. What suggestion would you have on cutting those tall centers down to a more proper ratio with the rest of the trees? Please continue your teaching us even though you have retired. Thanks again.
Fred Moretz just bought a home with two beautiful pear trees, but they are at least 30, maybe 40ft high. Not sure how to remove the large center branches without damaging the overall health of the tree.
Thank you for this amazingly honesty video. I wish I could have taken in person classes with you, but this will have to do! Great work!
So very helpful to me. I have a small orchard of just over 20 young trees just south of you in LeRoy, and I'm trying to give them all good shape a structure. I just found your videos a couple days ago, and they are excellent!. Thank you!
My pear tree is about the same size as yours and usually gets hundreds of pears on it. But this year only 4 lol Another great video. Thanks
You continue to educate and inspire me as a certified arborist/ fruit crop specialist. Thank you for your videos. I hope someday I get to prune fruit trees with you. Who knows? May I suggest recommending a helmet while in the tree or on a ladder? OSHA requires head protection for commercial tree workers, Homeowners should follow suit IMHO.
Dawn Hughes Good idea , I have had limbs fall on my head, ouch and how ,I have shoved little branches in my eye. I have sawed my left index finger and thumb nuckle with pruning saw numerous times . So the job can be accomplished with minor injuries
Dawn Hughes helmet? Well I wear safety glasses and leather gloves anyway. Working alone you are rather unlikely to have something fall on your head.
Not my idea. Helmets are PPE require by OSHA and ANSI for professional tree workers. I have suffered a number of concussions over the years and try to help others avoid my past mistakes.
Great video on pruning a pear tree! I especially liked your showing your tools before you get started and why you bought them, what to use them for. I will be going to the hardware store next!!
Thank you for watching. Check out other videos in my pruning playlist.
I have an old pear tree I'm going to give it a try this late fall. Thank you.
Paul I have got a mature overgrown Pear tree that only produces small fruit. This video was a great help as I have not pruned it before. By the way I'm in the UK. Thanks
I am glad to be of assistance. Thanks for watching
One of the better pruning videos I have seen. I have a Bartlett and a Asian pear that I planted about 20 years ago and have not pruned. Going to be a challenge but you made it look nonintimidating. Wisconsin here so in a month or so I will give her a try....
Glad to be of help.
Thanks for this video! It will help me with the very neglected fifteen year old pear tree in my backyard!
Excellent video Mr. Garry, clear ideas, easy to follow, and safety focused approach which is good for spring chickens like myself just as well as for retirees. It looks like you have been paid all your life for pursuing your hobby :). I will check the summer pruning follow up. Best regards from Ontario, CA.
Yes I really enjoyed my job. Few people have the opportunity to be on national TV, live local TV and radio, in newspapers, magazines, etc. but I never really thought it was a big deal. I just love to teach and meet new people.
Thank you Gary!!! I'll have healthier growth on my fruit trees this year! God Bless!
The tree looks really good. You took lots off as can be seen by the pile on the ground but the tree really needed a good pruning. I am wondering though when was the last time this tree was pruned? my guess would be 2 to 3 years..
Thank you, Gary, so much for such an informative video! Great sound and well filmed!
You have a lovely tone of voice. Very easy to listen to. Thanks for a informative video.
Well thought out production. It is obvious that you are extremely knowledgeable in this subject. Thank you for taking the time to produce this informative video!
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful. It will be my first time pruning and now I know what to do! I like your presentation style.
Thank you for this great video. I live in a southern state on the east coast. I have a pear tree which is approximately 12 years old. It was loaded in 2018 but did not bear much in 2019 or 2020. I didn't get any this year because of the late freeze we had in April. When is the best time to prune and cut it back - is it okay to top it off? I don't want it to grown any taller.
Thank you for this great instructional video! Now to prune my two pear trees!
Thank you for this video sir. You've helped me understand what cutting tools we need. Do you paint the tree to prevent boring insects and prevent sunscald? Or spray with clay?We
bought a bosc pear last year. It has two main centre branches and four side branches. I put attachments on the lower ones to make them go more horizontal. This year we bought a pear tree that had four grafts. Not really sure what to do to make sure they grow more horizontally. If pressure is put on them will it damage the grafts? I'm only 5'3" female age 65 and want a lower tree for easy harvest. I realize this was put out at least 6 years ago. Hope this finds you well.
I have a couple of very old pears and apples so these videos you have are wonderful!
Nicely done, Gary. Fantastic instructional video. I have a very badly overgrown pear that has been calling my name since we moved in a couple of years ago. I'm a shade younger than you, so you've inspired me!
At 66, my pruning days may be limited, but I knew an old extension agent who pruned his orchard into his 80s. Thanks for watching. More to come.
I love these how to prune out of control fruit trees. A bunch of us have these and theres not enough videos showing us how to prune them.
Very detailed and informative video! I recently moved to a property with very tall, mature trees and was looking for something to demonstrate how to tackle it, this video was just what the dr. Ordered! Also wanted to share, for those who have electric or battery powered sawzall's Milwaukee makes an awesome pruning blade that makes pruning a snap, especially for the large branches!
Thank you for taking the time to give me some feedback. I am pleased that the video was helpful. I will check out the product you mentioned. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for the showing us the correct way to trim a fruit tree. I wish I could have some of your trimmings so I could try to graft onto my tree's. Grafting is something I am trying to learn now.
I guess when you hit eighty trees!!! You said wow. This is enough. I’m sure you have a fine orchard. Thanks for the video.
Will search your site to see when to spray and what to spray. Already started pruning here in northern middle Tennessee just to get a handle on yard work, and yard work to come.....
Thank your for sharing your expertise. I love what you do.
Excellent, clear, informative instruction, Gary. Many thanks!
Thank you so much for watching. It's like having friends all over the world. I am glad to do it.
Thanks Gary. I imagine a lot of these principles apply to apple trees as well?
I don’t think it looks butchered… I think it looks GREAT.
Very informative, Mr. Heilig!!! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for this video. I now understand what I need to do. I appreciate you taking the time to explain it so well. Happy New Year!
i have the power pruner and they are wonderful. Just bought a battery operated pole saw and it is very nice. 40v Skil
Great video. I am wondering if it is possible to root some of the pruned wood to propagate the tree.
To me, this video is perfect. I learned so much, thank you
I was wondering if I could prune when the tree started budding since I missed doing it in the winter. Thx for answering that question. I’m headed out to do that now.
Excellent video, thanks for all the pruning tips. Now I can get ready for spring.😊
Thank you so much for showing how to trim a pear tree
Really nice video Gary. Thx for doing this for unexperienced pruners like myself
Great video! I too am an agressive pruner and would like to do exactly that on my pear tree, but in July. I am unable to be here before the tree leafs out, so am wondering if I will kill the tree if I do this agressive pruning in July. I do not care if I lose fruit, I just do not want to kill the tree. Does any body know? Also, my favorite pruning tool for larger branches is a battery operated recipricating saw with a pruning blade. I love it!
Fantastic information. Thank you. Have you ever tried a battery powered sawzall with a pruning blade?
Taught like a professor!...Thank you so much :)
It's warms my heart that I am helping others. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Wow! This video eliminates my fear of cutting branches to reduce pear tree height. My trees want to grow vertical and grow long legged branches. Thank you.
Glad I could help
Great video Gary. Thanks for doing it. I just bought two pear trees and i'm trying to learn how to prune them. I'm not sure why but i can't quite tell if the shape of this tree is open vase, or a central leader? What's best for pears?? Can you do both?
Very good video! I will be following your steps once the snows melt.
Ok, I hope you are successful. Let me know how it turns out.
You make very very educative hands on video's! Thank you alot!
gary i find you videos to be very information, well done. easy to watch these videos. thanks
This is so incredibly helpful!! Thank you from my little pear tree here in Portland, OR!
Very useful video .. it’s mostly the way I’d do it but nice to hear it from an expert 👍🍐
Excellent video thANK YOU!
Thank you for your knowledge and your zen like teaching style.
If there's one thing I've learned over the years with pruning pear and apple trees, it's that every time I think, "Well, I don't want to prune too much off," I always end up thinking, "Yeah, I should have pruned more off," come the end of summer and all the new growth that comes in
I do have a couple of pole mounted chain saws. I do have some trees that are getting big and thick and so they badly need pruning. Picking fruit in tall trees is hard and I can not find orchard ladders near by and I will have to fabricate something that is light and safe.
So far I have not had to spray my apples or pears, but all my stone fruit have curculio. I only grow disease resistant pears and apples in northwest Florida. If they get blight, an adult resistant tree will recover from it and if not, it obviously was not a tree intended for my orchard.
I will now get back to watching the video.
Knowledgeable. A lot of gardening it's to do with aesthetics and being meticulous. The end result on this particular task was exactly that and ultimately appealing to the eye. I'm pretty novice on this so, I apply Aesthetics and Meticulous all the time. It's possible Id made mistakes, who hasn't even Monty, can tell you, what It's important is to review, to research and keep learning, so in the event of an error this will be small ones. Actually I did this yesterday pruning an apple tree and I ready can tell that after watching your video I make a few but overall a good result. Greetings from London.