Pruning advice needed (pear tree)

I have an ornamental pear tree which I would estimate to be between 20 and 25 feet tall, at a distance of something like 6 metres from the trunk to the nearest wall of the house.

I recall being advised that we should have the tree pruned periodically to keep the overall size down, so that the roots don't spread too far and thus pose a threat to the integrity of the house, or indeed the paved driveway and public pavement located either side of the tree.

There seems to be a fair bit of conflicting information online about how much of a concern this really is, and I expect it may vary by species. So my first question is... does anyone happen to know what height/size and pruning schedule might be recommended for this type of tree in order to keep it in check? (Or am I worrying about nothing?)

Depending on the answer to that, I'm wondering about the timing of getting it pruned. The earliest I could be sure of getting it done now is mid-March, and I'm concerned that the tree could be well on its way out of dormancy and into bud by then, so could it be harmful to prune it in that situation? I wouldn't mind leaving it until next winter unless the size is already too risky as per the above.

 

Is this the weeping form ...salicifolia pendula ...larches?
Dont grow it here now but I look after one I planted elsewhere.
I have pruned it already. You are right to prune in the dormant season which is why I choose early December through to mid January down here. Mid March is a little late I think but should be ok....I would do it now.
I prune to downward buds, removing upright and congested branches.....I aim for a "skirt" affect and to keep it relatively " light" looking. Prob at a height of 12' and 15' across. When I next go there I will try to post a picture
I confess I have never pruned this hard.....I have pruned it annually with nothing ever too much. Maybe others on the forum have hard pruned theirs so I will be interested to know how they behaved.
It is a vigorous tree though......my friend's tree is on its own as a feature with plenty of space.
Hmmmm! 6 metres from the house? I reckon that's fine but it must be losing its balanced shape being near to the house???
Hope this helps larches

 

Before answering this one, we really need to know where the OP lives. Mid March is fine in some parts of the country, but not in others.

 

Needs to be in the dormant period though Sandy so I think my advice is appropriate, viz., before mid March! I am assuming larches is in the UK.
The dormant season here in Cornwall is very short......often from mid December to mid January

 

@Verdun I still maintain that we need to know what part of the UK the OP is in. I'll try to explain why.

The climate here is very similar to some parts of Scotland. As you are well aware, thats totally different to Cornwall. 20 or 25 years ago, I would have agreed with all you wrote. Now, I'm not all that sure. Back then, the kind of trees mentioned would have been pruned in what we call (translated) "Spring Winter." That is to say, the period of the year when winter is ending, and Spring is beginning. Although this is still the most important pruning time for commercially grown fruit trees, for ornamental ones its what we call the "JAS period." That is to say, July, August, September. Unless its a heavy pruning that is to be carried out. That would be done mid to late March, with a follow up in the JAS period.

Thats the reason we need to know where the op lives. The difference in climates is important as regards when to prune. Thats the main reason there is conflicting information on the net. To repeat myself, before anyone on here can give the correct advice, we need to know the location. The chances are we have an experienced gardener on here that would live close by and could give an answer that is more exact than either you or I could give.

 

Thanks Sandy
Agree to differ but respect your view and reasons for it. My advice is to prune whenever the dormant period is. Even in Scotland the dormant period would surely be over by end of March!!
Still feel larches needs to get pruning done now asap and I have a feeling that is exactly what has already been advised to OP
Respect though.....I totally understand your reasoning

 

I think, as the OP is in the East Midlands area, @KFF might have some thoughts on this; if not on the actual pruning, then at least on the climate of that area? (Think he's Midlands )

 

My dormant season runs from September to august

 

Ha ha Wee Tamm
14 degrees here today

 

Thanks all for your comments so far, and apologies for missing off my location to begin with (as "M" has noted, I've now added it - E. Mids). I usually get a professional tree surgeon to do the pruning and had wanted to book it in for Jan/Feb, but as ever the Christmas period was manic and I left it too late to call, so the first availability the guy has is mid-March. He seems to think that date will still be OK, but I just wanted a second opinion seeing as I'd seen somewhere people strongly advising it's done during dormancy. Some sites suggest that is purely to avoid any impact on fruiting, which of course is irrelevant in this case. Can anyone advise what the risk is if it's pruned too far into spring - i.e. does it pose a significant risk to the health of the tree?

It's either that risk, or leave it the best part of another year and risk root expansion. Or, find another tree surgeon - but I'd prefer to stick with this one as he's well-accredited and did a really nice job last time. Wishing I'd got my act together and booked it earlier!

 

I dont think it makes a lot of difference larches.....main thing is to prune in the dormant season which in your area is now and prob into March. As you said, your local surgeon would agree with Jan/Feb. The mid March timing will be fine, I'm really confident of that so dont beat yourself up about it.
The possibility, as far as my experience goes, of late pruning is of die back because pyrus doesnt always respond well to pruning when actively growing. However, only the possibility larches.
Trust your tree surgeon but look to have your tree pruned annually and book him early in future for Jan/Feb. Thinning and pruning as I previously outlined will help control vigour, shape and "skirt" of your tree
Good luck and let us know how you get on. Post a picture. As I will here

 

Hi Larches,
Winter is the main pruning time for trees grown for fruit production. I personally wouldn't attempt it now other than shortening the odd branch as around here the trees are starting to swell their buds.

For ornamental trees ( I presume you grow yours for the blossom ) then the best time is as @Sandy Ground says during the Summer. Do any heavy pruning now and you'll be cutting off this years blossom

One thing to try to remember is never to cut off more than about 10% off at a time.