How to prune medlar 'royal'

Late winter while dormant. Establish 3–5 evenly spaced scaffold branches in the first few years, removing any competing leaders. On mature trees, thin overcrowded growth to let light reach the center; cut back to a lateral or the collar — avoid leaving stubs.

Annually for minor tidying; structural pruning in years 1–3 only. Medlar 'Royal' has a similarly ornamental, spreading habit to 'Nottingham' and requires the same light-touch approach. Prune formatively for the first few years to build a clean trunk and open canopy, then largely leave it alone beyond removing dead or diseased wood and improving airflow with occasional thinning cuts.

Establish 3–5 evenly spaced scaffold branches in the first few years, removing any competing leaders. On mature trees, thin overcrowded growth to let light reach the center; cut back to a lateral or the collar — avoid leaving stubs.