North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["William C. Garthright" <billg@inebraska.com>]

> On the subject of Asians. We have tried to spread the branches the same as 
> our apple trees. Yet they seem to be very brittle and snap away from the 
> trunk even with mild pressure. Has anyone had the same experience ?
>   


Well, yes, I've had that problem with my young Asian pears, but it 
hasn't exactly been specific to them. This has happened to me on just 
about every kind of fruit tree I've got. And each time, I curse myself 
and vow to be more careful. And I am,... for awhile, until I get hot and 
tired and careless again.

But for the most part, I've been able to spread the branches of my three 
Asian pears (3 different varieties). If I'm careful, I don't seem to 
have a bigger problem with them than I do with my apple trees, plum 
trees, or anything else - though I have snapped off branches 
occasionally. I'm certainly no expert, but that's my experience, so far.

Bill
Lincoln, NE (zone 5)

--
America has believed that in differentiation, not in uniformity, lies 
the path of progress. It acted on this belief; it has advanced human 
happiness, and it has prospered. - Louis D. Brandeis