Dwarf Pear Tree question

[Randy Dandy]

I have one Dwarf Kieffer and one Dwarf Bartlett Pear.
I pruned both trees this winter. They both are getting suckers growing off them this spring.
Here are pictures...


My question is should I cut the suckers off now that its spring or should I let them grow and cut them off this coming winter ?

Thanks

[JasoninMN]

I am not an exepert, but I would cut them off now while they are still small. I do it all season on my apple trees if they spruot them. The energy being used to producing them can be used else where, like producing fruit. Also by fall they will by much larger leaving a bigger wound.

[haypoint]

Rub them off as they appear, unless you want branches to form there. Also, very important to remove any new growth from below the graft.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

As above,cut them off.

RF

[Michael Kawalek]

That's how I do it. I rub off the new shoots before they become woody. Anything you can do by hand in a few seconds beats the minutes involved in getting a saw, making a nice cut, and sealing the wound.

[Shinsan]

The tree is wasting its resources by feeding those suckers: Cut them off so that those resources can be used by the upper branches.

[Randy Dandy]

Thanks for all the help. The suckers have been removed. If any more come out then I will remove them as well. I bought some single edged razor blades that did the job very nice, smooth, and clean.

[Dirtslinger]

To be ever so contrary....
While you don't want these to become part of the framework, these branches DO benefit the tree.
Best thing is to prune them to 6", and let them grow 1-2 seasons.
What they do is benefit the trunk itself. You want a strong trunk, not just a top heavy tree.
This has been proven scientifically, it works, and doesn't seem to take away from fruit production any. Even if it did, you have a stronger tree for it!
I wouldn't let them get more than 1" girth, otherwise you may get rot/disease issues when you do prune them off.

[Steve L.]

Originally Posted by Dirtslinger

...these branches DO benefit the tree...
...This has been proven scientifically...

I'm curious about this statement, since I work in the field of agricultural research (wine grapes, right now, but I've spent a lot of time working with apple training systems, and some with pears and stone fruits) and have never heard this.

Could you please post the source of this info?

[Dirtslinger]

I learned it while working/studying at a botanical garden- the head gardener was a big fan of a guy Can't remember name) though you will likely know of him. He had untold acres of trees which he 'tested' Not Dirr. Jeez I can't remember his name, but he has books out.
I believe he also proved that pruning paste caused more damage than good, likely by rot that wouldn't happen if exposed to air.

I can't imagine it would help you any using a trellis system. Aren't all the new orchards going this way for trees as well?