Exotic Nashi pears—often called “apple pears”—are becoming a real favorite in backyard orchards lately. These trees are actually pretty low-maintenance and hardy, but if you want them to thrive, there’s one thing you can’t skip: pruning. To keep your tree looking great and loaded with juicy fruit, you’ll want to get comfortable with your pruning shears.
Why Pruning is a Must
Regularly pruning your Nashi pear is the secret to a lush tree and a massive harvest. Here are the main reasons you should stay on top of it:
- Establishing a strong foundation during the first year.
- General maintenance to thin out the canopy and encourage new growth.
- Shaping the tree so it looks beautiful in your landscape.
- Thinning out the blossoms to ensure the fruit grows big and sweet.
The First Cut: Year One
You’ll want to give your Nashi pear its first trim during the very first year after planting. Cut back all the main shoots to a maximum length of about three feet. In the following years, continue to head back new growth by about half. This consistent pruning triggers the tree to push out new wood, which is exactly where your future fruit will grow.
Maintenance Pruning for Better Light
Every so often, take a look at your tree and remove any drooping, dried-out, or old branches. The goal here is to “open up” the tree. You want to thin it out enough so that sunlight can reach every single cluster of blossoms. Sunlight is the “fuel” for ripening, so this is huge for a good harvest. Don’t be shy with the shears—Nashi pears are tough and handle heavy pruning really well!
Shaping Your Tree
If you want your Nashi pear to be a focal point in your garden, you can prune it into specific shapes. The most popular styles for these trees are:
- A classic pyramid shape.
- A hollow-center (open center) crown.
- A three-leader crown.
Thinning the Fruit for a Better Harvest
To get those big, store-quality pears, you actually have to remove some of the fruit early on. If you leave them alone, the tree will produce a ton of tiny pears that never quite reach their full potential. Aim to leave only two or three pears per cluster and pluck off the rest. Your taste buds will thank you!
Pruning Potted Nashi Pears
If you’re growing your Nashi pear in a container, it still needs regular haircuts. A pro tip: if you’re moving your tree into a larger pot, take the opportunity to do some root pruning. Trim away any mushy or dried-out roots and tip the healthy ones back by an inch or two to encourage a vigorous root system.
