By Hopey
Lincolnshire,
United Kingdom 
This year two of my apple trees and one of my pear trees have grown 2-3 inch spikes on every branch. Can anyone suggest why this has happened, and what l should o about it?. They have been planted around 7-8 years, and its never happened before. Harvesting is going to be a challenge!.
7 Jun, 2011
Answers
Hmm, odd - wild apple and pear trees do have thorns, and these are usually bred out by modern breeding methods. Sounds like that particular bit of genetic info has been lost...
7 Jun, 2011
Or regained in this case! :-)
7 Jun, 2011
Is it possible that the rootstock has come up?
11 Jun, 2011
I planted a wild pear tree a couple of years ago and was amazed to find that it came equipped - with large spines. I didn't know they did that!
7 Jun, 2011