Pruning Large Pear Tree (see pictures)

[arminius]

Recently I purchased 10 acres of old farmsite here in MN. There are two very large old pear trees (the big one is 40 feet tall). Neither of these have been pruned for at least 10 years. I'm assuming it's a good idea to clean these up. Suggestions? My thoughts is cut off all dead branches and any angling down. Also, there are a few smaller shoots coming from the stump area. Do I keep those? thank you

 

[Chuck]

You can cut off the dead branches any time but any other pruning should be done while the tree is dormant. This coming winter I would remove all of that lower growth coming from the trunk. I would also be very careful of all the poison ivy too.