How to Fertilize Pear Trees
Pears are deciduous fruit trees that are the most tolerant of wet soil than all the other types of fruit trees. Pear trees thrive in well-drained soil though. Most varieties of pear trees are self-sterile and require another variety of pear tree to cross-pollinate with in order to set a good fruit crop. Pear trees need maintenance to grow properly and fertilization for healthy growth. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Create a circle of balanced fertilizer like 13-13-13 around a newly planted tree when new growth begins. Spread 1/2 cup of fertilizer in a circle 6 inches from the trunk and end the circle 2 feet from the tree. Keeping the fertilizer away from the tree trunk prevents fertilizer burn.
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2
Scratch the fertilizer into the soil to the depth of 1/2 inch with a hand cultivator. This prevents the fertilizer from washing or blowing away. Water thoroughly to start the fertilizer working its way down to the pear tree roots.
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3
Fertilize young trees each month using only 1/4 cup of fertilizer throughout the summer growing season. Scratch into the soil and water like before.
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4
Feed mature trees each spring using 1/2 cup of complete fertilizer for every year of age until the pear tree is 4 years old then keep the fertilizer at the rate of 2 cups.
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5
Add the spring rate of fertilizer to the pear tree during the fall right after the fruit is harvested.
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Tips & Warnings
Use little or no fertilizer if blight becomes a problem. If growth is less than 6 inches per, then increase the amount of fertilizer.
Pear trees are the most pest-ridden of all the fruit trees. They require the most pesticide sprays to keep them insect-free. Fire blight is also a major problem for pear trees.
