Very old pear tree (dying gracefully?)

[AndyJ]

My very old pear tree is on its last legs. I’d like to cut it back significantly for less shade and less bird droppings on vegetables below. I’d prefer to let it die gracefully rather than cut it down altogether. Any advice on what and where to cut?

Photos

Many thanks, Andy

[Will C]

Remove most of he dead (leave some for the insect life, that will in turn feed the birds etc) then reshape and thin, if you thin the tallest stems you will reduce the height at the same time.

Also remove and wood that’s rubbing unless it’s been like it for years and starting to fuse together.

 

Any cuts you make try to leave a small stub rather than flush to the stem as the tree can heal better.

 

It has got a good few years in it yet, but I would poss think it is time to plant the next generation as it is in its latter years and won’t last indefinitely.

 

any solid wood you remove will make good fire wood or the local wood turners always like fruit wood. 

Edited April 26, 2020 by Will C