Pruning Tips for Apple Pear Tree - Tall Leader, Short Secondary Branches

[n0chance]

Hi,

I have an apple pear tree and would like some pruning advice. I've attached a photo of the tree and a diagram of the tree.

I feel like the leader is so long and high now that I can't reach anymore. I'd like to just cut it down somewhere, but the secondary branches are so low compared to the height of the leader. Thoughts?

 

[billyboy]

Not familiar with that variety. Is it a dwarf fruit tree? Cutting the leader is not a good idea. You might end up with four leaders and they might not be as strong as a single leader. But it‘s your tree. Leaders get broken off all the time in the real world and they can survive it, just not so pretty any more. Maybe you just need a ten foot step ladder.