How to Grow a Pear Tree

A flowering pear tree in the spring time is magical. Unfortunately, many gardeners are timid about growing a pear tree in their own yard. Fruit trees have a reputation for being difficult and temperamental to grow healthy without disease or dying when first planted.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Plant your pear tree on land that is elevated and sloped. This location should have good air circulation. The higher elevation will prevent the roots form being soaked from heavy rain.

2. Plant your pear tree in full sun.

3. Make sure your soil is heavy with clay or has a heavy consistency.

4. Fertilize your pear tree once a year around March. Sprinkle about two cups of the fertilizer about 6 inches from the trunk. Any closer and you could burn your pear tree.

5. Prune your pear tree in early spring or right after first frost.

6. Thin your fruit each summer. You will find several pears growing on one clump. Remove the weaker pears so the larger ones will grow strong. If you don't prune the pears, then you risk the branches from breaking from the weight of the pears.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant any subsequent trees twenty feet away so the trees can cross-pollinate.
• If you plant your pear tree in a low valley, frost can attack and kill your tree.