Pyrus: planting, pruning and care

Where to plant the pear tree?

The pear tree can be planted in the orchard or garden, either in an open form or trained against a support.

Needing warmth, it should be planted sheltered from prevailing winds, especially to the north of the Loire. The pear tree thrives in cool, rich soils but does not appreciate soils that are too dry or too chalky. Some varieties (such as Garden Gem® or Garden Pearl®) are dwarf varieties that can be grown in the ground or in pots in small spaces.

Like the apple tree, the pear tree needs another pear tree nearby (pollinator) to ensure good fruiting.

When and how to plant?

Pear trees, like all fruit trees, should ideally be planted between October and March, outside of frost periods. Trees in containers can be planted all year round except during periods of extreme heat or frost.

The pear tree prefers cool, rich soils, without stagnant moisture.

To plant:

• Loosen the soil deeply, removing stones and unwanted herbs.
• Add some gravel to improve drainage if necessary.
• Dig a wide planting hole at least 3 times the volume of the root ball. Be sure to place the subsoil on one side and the topsoil on the other.
• Mix crushed horn and organic matter (potting soil, compost…) with the subsoil and pour this mixture into the bottom of the planting hole.
• Place the root ball, cover with topsoil without burying the graft union, and firm down. Water generously (about 10 litres).
• It may be beneficial to stake the pear tree by installing a bracing system: plant 3 stakes in a triangle 50 cm around the trunk, connecting them with pieces of wood. Protect the bark with a piece of rubber, for example, and tie the stakes to the trunk with metal wires.

It is also possible to train it on a support (U-shaped espalier or Verrier espalier, for example).

Caring for and fighting diseases

Maintenance :

Every year, in autumn, apply well-matured compost to the surface. Then, in winter, add a small handful of wood ash, rich in potash, to improve fruiting. Hoe around the base of the tree if necessary. Water regularly, depending on your climate, during the first two or three years.

Possible diseases:

The pear tree can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. To combat scab (brown spots on leaves), brown rot (drying of flowers and fruit rot on the tree), and powdery mildew (white fluff on leaves), spray Bordeaux mixture and horsetail decoctions as a preventive measure. Regarding pests, the codling moth or fruit worm, a small caterpillar, can be countered by installing bird and bat boxes, placing corrugated cardboard strips along the trunk, and bagging the fruit in brown kraft paper. In case of an aphid attack, spray a mixture of water and black soap.

Pruning the pear tree

Pruning of the pear tree should be done every 2 to 3 years (except for trained forms, where pruning should be annual and focus on flower buds). It takes place from November to March, outside of frost periods.

To prune the pear tree:

• Remove any suckers that have grown at the base of the tree and any vigorous shoots developing on the trunk.
• Eliminate dead or broken branches, as well as those that cross each other.
• Cut back twigs and some inner branches to allow air and light to circulate in the centre.
• Trim the ends of the branches above a bud facing outward. Apply a healing paste, such as clay, to the pruning wounds.

In June, when the pears are pre-formed, carry out thinning: keep only two fruits per cluster, favouring the pears located on the periphery. Your pears will then reach a larger size.

Also read Olivier’s tips: How to prune pear trees?