How to Grow Kieffer Pears

Select a site for the young Kieffer pear tree. The tree grows an extensive and wide root system, and it often grows up to 30 feet high. Choose a site where nothing will block its growth, such as a driveway or house. Kieffer pear trees do best in sandy soil with good drainage.

Dig a hole for the Kieffer pear tree. The size of the hole depends on the width of the tree's spread-out roots. Do not supply fertilizer at this time.

Cut off damaged roots and then place the tree in the hole. Fill the hole completely with soil. Water the tree until the soil feels moist. Continue to water the tree once per week or once every two weeks as it grows.

Remove the tree's side branches after planting it in the ground. Cut off the top after you remove the branches, leaving the trunk 24 to 30 inches high. Prune new growth in winter.

Add balanced fertilizer to the soil when you see new branch or leaf growth. Do not fertilize the tree if it suffers from fire blight disease. To determine if the tree has fire blight disease, look for light brown discharge on the branches and stems. Leaves and fruit also wilt and turn black, giving the tree a burnt appearance.

Harvest fruit when it feels firm. Fruits usually do not ripen on the tree. To ripen the pears, set them out at room temperature for up to two weeks.