Question
i am tired of getting my head knocked off when i cut grass. when can i remove the lower branches and how should do it. i have not done this before.

                     thanks,
                      keith

Answer
You can prune Bradford pear at almost any time except early spring before they flower. Cut the lower limbs off about 1/4 inch from the main trunk. The wound will heal over better if you do not cut them flush with the trunk. On large limbs (over 1 inch in diameter) star the first cut about a foot out from the trunk --make the first cut on the under side of the limb about half way through and then make the second cut on the top to complete the through cut. This way the limb will not peel bark off the trunk when it falls. Then you can cut off the stub branch to the trunk. Do not use any wound dressing on the cuts this will slow the healing.