Pear Help ... Growing & Sagging

[Tree Spud]

I have 6 Winter Nellis pears trees that I planted when they were 10-12" seedlings. They are now entering year 3 and have put on some good grow. I pruned the branches this winter.

Now the top growth is heavy enough that it is causing the tree to bend over.

Any advice on next steps? More lower support, prune some of the top ... don't want to make a mistake.

Appreciate any comments & suggestions.

 

[Turkey Creek]

I have 6 Winter Nellis pears trees that I planted when they were 10-12" seedlings. They are now entering year 3 and have put on some good grow. I pruned the branches this winter.

Now the top growth is heavy enough that it is causing the tree to bend over.

Any advice on next steps? More lower support, prune some of the top ... don't want to make a mistake.

Appreciate any comments & suggestions.

View attachment 9071

You say "seedlings" were they grown from seed? Are you going to graft to them? If grafting is the long term project I would just provide support (pull the trunk in towards the stake where the big bow is and tie with ribbon) and they will put on enough caliper down on the main trunk to graft to. I am not familiar with Winter Nellis but for a 3 year old pear in my nursery that is very weak growth.

 

[CrazyEd]

Use conduit.

 

[Tree Spud]

You say "seedlings" were they grown from seed? Are you going to graft to them? If grafting is the long term project I would just provide support (pull the trunk in towards the stake where the big bow is and tie with ribbon) and they will put on enough caliper down on the main trunk to graft to. I am not familiar with Winter Nellis but for a 3 year old pear in my nursery that is very weak growth.

Yes, the pears are grown from seed, no evidence of grafting. It is Pyrus communis Winter Nelis and from Oikos. I am not sure what expected growth should be; however, it is going into year 3 and the tree shown above is almost 6' tall.

 

[Tree Spud]

Use conduit.

Ed, yes I have the conduit out there, just need to install.