Nice shaped pear tree

[Native Hunter]

We talk frequently about pruning (or not pruning) pears. I really don't try to shape pears as much as apples, but I do try to train the lower scaffolding limbs to grow outward just a little bit by doing some early shaping when the tree is young.

I noticed this pear when working in my trees the other day and thought it had a pretty nice shape for a pear tree. I think this tree was set as a whip in the spring of 2013, so it has flat out grown quickly. If I remember correctly it had about 20 pears last year. If it doesn't get frozen out, it should have a bumper crop this time.

Also, didn't notice it until I got home but thought it was cool how the clouds seems to circle around the tree in that pic - not planned - just a chance occurrence.

 

[Mortenson]

How many feet of trunk do you strive for before the first lower limbs start?

 

[Native Hunter]

How many feet of trunk do you strive for before the first lower limbs start?

I generally like about 4 feet, but I have some earlier trees that I started lower than that. It makes mowing and maintenance a lot easier to get up about 4 feet.

 

[greyphase]

Good looking pear NH. Do you know what variety it is. I had a few Kiefer's last year that tasted suprising good.

 

[Native Hunter]

Good looking pear NH. Do you know what variety it is. I had a few Kiefer's last year that tasted suprising good.

greyphase, its a pear I bought from Wildlife Groups called Gallaway.

I think that Kieffer gets a bad wrap as an eating pear. I agree with you that the taste is very good.

Last year I got to eat my first Senator Clark pears, and loved them too.