How to prune medlar

Dormant season: late autumn after leaf fall through to late winter before bud break. In the first three years, establish a clear trunk of 60–90 cm with four to five well-spaced scaffold branches. On established trees, remove only dead or diseased wood and any strongly crossing limbs. Work with the tree's natural tendency to spread — do not attempt to force a tight form.

Annually for young trees; every two to three years on well-established specimens. Medlar is a low-maintenance fruiting tree that needs only light formative pruning when young and modest tidying once established. It naturally forms an attractive, gnarled shape. Remove dead, crossing, or diseased branches annually. Avoid heavy pruning — Medlar resents hard cutting and regenerates slowly. A light touch preserves the ornamental character and cropping.

In the first three years, establish a clear trunk of 60–90 cm with four to five well-spaced scaffold branches. On established trees, remove only dead or diseased wood and any strongly crossing limbs. Work with the tree's natural tendency to spread — do not attempt to force a tight form.