How to Speed Up the Growth of a Pear

A healthy pear tree, either fruiting or flowering, is the result of planting in the proper location and some annual maintenance. Growth rates are influenced by the amount of sun, water, soil pH and nutrients. Make sure that your site is in full sun with a slightly acidic soil pH. Pear trees perform best in soils with a pH less than 7.0. Have the soil tested or do it yourself before considering any fertilizers or amendments. Pear trees like to be in a well-drained, but not too dry soil condition. Supplemental watering may be needed to help encourage growth.

Pruning tools
Hose/irrigation
Mulch/weed control
pH-appropriate fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  
  Sterilize pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
  
  Prune pear trees in late winter. Any heavy or shape pruning should be done when the tree is dormant. Remove sucker growth any time of year.
- 2
  
  A fresh layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperatures and moisture absorption.
  
  Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch or other weed barrier in early spring, but take care not to pile mulch close to the trunk, which encourages disease. Pear trees do not like competition from other plants, and the weed barrier will reduce the incidence of undesirable plants growing near it.
- 3
  
  Complete fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
  
  Fertilize pear trees in spring once growth has begun. For pear trees growing less than 6 inches per year, apply 1/2 cup of all-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 around the base of the tree. Increase to 2 cups for mature trees. For pear trees in alkaline soils, use ammonium sulfate 21-0-0 to reduce the pH.
- 4
  
  Water trees in the morning so that excess water can evaporate.
  
  Irrigate throughout the year as necessary. In the absence of rain during the growing season, make sure that your pear trees receives between 1 and 2 inches of water per week.

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