Help pear tree root stock putting out branch.

[sarraceniac]

I have a young Doyenne du Comice pear tree which fruited last year for the first time. Loads of blossom this year (probably too much, the drop is going to be huge) but I just noticed a small, in leaf twig growing from the root stock below the graft. I assume this wants chopping off but when please? Can I do it now?

[FB.]

Rootstock suckers are best removed as soon as you notice them.

If the sucker is from the above-ground part of the rootstock, prune it off as close to the trunk as you can.

If the sucker is from below ground, you should carefully dig down to find where it originates (try not to damage too many other roots as you dig down or they may also form suckers next year). Once you've found where it comes from, break it off as close to its point of origin as possible. If the break is a bit ragged, it often kills the sucker.
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If you try to prune it off and leave any behind, or if you only cut it down to the ground, you will be greeted by several replacements next spring.......

[FB.]

Quince rootstocks often root quite readily.
For a bit of fun, you might be able to root the severed sucker by treating it like a cutting - and then grow it up for a year or two and graft yourself another pear tree in a couple of years time.

[sarraceniac]

Thanks FB. I've got 2 quinces, a Japanese bush and a fully fledged Vranja tree so it may be fun to try using it as a rootstock. It's above ground by the way. Will cut it and pot it up straight away.