How to Stop Pears From Growing

Thinning Fruit

• 1

  Wrap three layers of duct tape around the end of a long pole to a length of 6 inches. The soft tape will cushion the blow of the stick and prevent damaging branches.

• 2

  Tap immature pear fruits and clusters firmly with the end of the pole in early spring, when the fruits are ½ to 1 inch in diameter. The pears will drop to the ground and will stop growing.

• 3

  Continue going around the tree and removing pears until the growing fruit is 5 inches apart. Remove more pears if you prefer a smaller yield. You may pluck the fruit off by hand as an alternative to using a pole, though this method is more time consuming.

Preventing all Fruit from Growing

• 4

  Dress in a long-sleeved work outfit and wear work gloves, a respirator and goggles to protect your skin, eyes and lungs from the growth regulator.

• 5

  Mix 1 part fruit growth regulator with 40 parts water in a garden sprayer.

• 6

  Spray pear blossoms lightly with the solution on a warm, sunny day. The spray will prevent fruit from developing.