How to Select a Pear Tree

If you live in zone 5, 6 or 7 and are considering starting a home orchard, give serious thought to including pear trees. Most pear trees, including the popular Bartlett pear tree, are fast growing and thrive in zones 5 through 7.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn the two traits that determine the growth and production of fruit trees: the variety and the rootstock. Variety determines the qualities of the fruit and the winter hardiness of the pear tree. Rootstock determines the size of the tree and rapidity with which it first produces fruit.

2. Realize that pears usually require cross pollination, which means you must plant at least two trees of different varieties.

3. Decide how much space you can devote to your pear trees, and select a rootstock accordingly. Dwarf trees should be planted at least 12 feet apart. Semi-dwarf and regular pear trees should be planted at least 20 to 25 feet apart. If you don't have that much room, select a dwarf rootstock.

4. Pick from among 13 varieties of pear trees, depending on the characteristics you prefer in your fruit. Popular varieties include Bosc, Bartlett and Anjou, but your zone will also determine which varieties of pear will grow best in your area.

5. Select pear trees you can inspect in person, rather than ordering from an online nursery. Look for pear trees with healthy leaves and that are not rootbound in their containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Dwarf and semi-dwarf work better for home gardens as they tend not to grow as large as standard trees.
• Bartlett pear trees have a naturally small footprint. If you have limited space, you may want to plant Bartlett pear trees as one of your varieties.
• Dwarf trees require less room and produce fruit earlier than semi-dwarf or standard trees. However, they also may have shorter lifespans.
• Never purchase pear trees or any other fruit trees at the end of the planting season. They probably won't survive the transplanting process.