Raising Healthy Pear Trees

Test the soil prior to planting, following the testing instructions in a soil pH testing kit. Pears prefer a pH near 6.5. Add lime to the planting site in the amount recommended by the test results to bring the pH to 6.5 prior to planting.

Plant pear trees in spring. Set the trees in the planting holes so they are growing at the same depth they were in the nursery container. Plant grafted varieties so the graft union on the trunk sits 3 inches above the soil surface.

Prune the newly planted pear trunks so they are no more than 2 to 3 feet tall. Remove any remaining side branches. Severe pruning at planting encourages extensive root growth and results in a healthier tree at maturity.

Water the pear trees weekly during the first spring and summer after planting. Supply enough water to keep the soil in the root zone moist. Reduce watering to once every 10 to 14 days beginning in the second year after planting.

Mulch over the tree's root zone with 3 inches of organic mulch or a landscape fabric. Mulching conserves moisture and prevents weed competition. Extend the mulch zone as the pear tree grows so the ground beneath the tree canopy is mulched and weed-free.

Fertilize the pear with ½ cup of 13-13-13 fertilizer the first spring after planting, once new growth begins to show. Fertilize annually in spring thereafter, applying ½ cup of fertilizer per year of growth to a maximum of 2 cups annually per tree.

Prune pear trees lightly in late winter before the buds begin to swell. Cut out all vertical branches except for one central leader. Trim out crossed branches and those growing at an angle of less than 60 degrees. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can result in disease problems, such as fire blight.