Pear Tree With Black Leaf Tips

Fire Blight

• The bacterial disease fire blight can prevent fruiting and eventually kill your pear tree. The initial symptoms include premature wilting and dropping of the blossoms in spring. The twigs and leaves gradually blacken and die. The blight typically affects the smaller twigs and leaves, beginning at the tips and then traveling down the length of the branch. Blight primarily affects pears in cool, humid weather. The bacteria overwinter in the wood and spread in spring. Cutting out affected branches and treating the pear tree with a streptomycin spray helps control the disease.

Pear Leaf Spot

• Pear leaf spot, caused by the Fabraea maculata fungus, causes black spots over the entire leaf surface, although the spots may concentrate near leaf tips and margins. Symptoms usually first appear in spring and by midsummer the majority of the affected leaves drop from the tree. Fungicides are the only dependable control method. The type of fungicide and application timing depends on your climate and the severity of the infection, so refer to a local extension office for recommendations.

Frost Burn

• Black tips on tender young leaves in spring may indicate frost burn, which rarely results in long-lasting harm to the pear. Frost damage occurs when the days are warm, but night temperatures still drop near or below freezing. Cold winds further the problem because the wind desiccates the new leaves. Mild tip blackening requires no special care, as the tree recovers after the night temperatures begin to rise. Antidesiccant sprays can prevent damage that is more extensive.

Salt Damage

• Natural salts in the soil or salt buildup from overfertilization can cause tip blackening. The salt builds up in the leaves and causes them to decline. Older leaves develop a yellow color, while new leaves become black. Eventually both the older and the new leaves die and drop from the tree. Avoid overfertilizing and flush the soil with a thorough irrigation after fertilization to prevent salt buildup. Avoid planting in soil with a high natural salt concentration.