Too late to prune? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have a pear tree that is about 7 years old and a pear tree that is about 5 years old. though new growth or flowers have begun, I am wonderi...
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Too late to prune? #927033
Asked March 30, 2026, 12:39 AM EDT
Hello,
I have a pear tree that is about 7 years old and a pear tree that is about 5 years old. though new growth or flowers have begun, I am wondering if it is okay do some pruning at this time of season?
The fig tree is healthy, but there are some low branches that are obstructions and one limb that is low on the trunk.
The pear just has a bunch of random branches all over.
What do you advise?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi and thanks for your pruning questions about your fig and pear trees. If the trees have budded out (probably the pear) you can wait until June to prune. This is called summer pruning and will help thin the fruit set as well. According to Lewis Hill's Pruning Made Easy, "Annual light pruning is preferable to an infrequent heavy one for two reasons: Heavy pruning delays bearing, and it encourages fire blight."
On the fig, you will want to wait until next winter, as they bleed badly if the sap has already started to flow. It is important to keep them pruned regularly, as they produce fruit on 1 year old wood.
I hope this helps,
On the fig, you will want to wait until next winter, as they bleed badly if the sap has already started to flow. It is important to keep them pruned regularly, as they produce fruit on 1 year old wood.
I hope this helps,
