Planting pear tree: location, care and diseasesThe pear tree is one of the most popular fruit trees in the garden. In order for the tree to grow healthily after planting and develop a lush harvest, care is also crucial in addition to the right location.
27. January 2022 – Romina Seilnacht Reading time: 5 minutes – 0 comments
About 30 varieties of pears are suitable for growing in your own garden, with Williams Christ being one of the most popular
Location
Before planting, determine a location that meets the needs of the pear tree (Pyrus communis). Apart from a sufficient amount of space depending on its growth, it should provide a sunny to semi-shaded as well as wind-protected place. The ideal soil is low in lime. Minimal moisture. The fruit tree also likes a sandy, humus-rich loamy soil. Water should be able to drain off well, because it is sensitive to waterlogging.
Planting
The best time to plant is in the fall between October and early November. Then the pear tree will grow before the onset of winter. Can form new shoots as early as the following spring. However, freshly planted specimens usually bear their first fruit only after two to three years.
To make it easier for the pear tree to grow and develop well, you should know the following details and make preparations:
Planting distance: Depending on the width of the growth between three and eight meters
Planting hole depth: about a third deeper than root ball high
Planting hole diameter: double the size of the root ball – before planting, roughly loosen the root ball and place it in a water container until no more air bubbles rise – mix the excavated soil with compost – rake the planting soil with or. Rake up
The next step is planting. Place the root ball in the planting hole. Fill in the cavities with the previously excavated soil. Then press the surface of the soil firmly. For best stability, insert up to three stakes / supports into the ground close to the trunk around the plant. They should be about the same height as the trunk.
Then fix the sapling to it without strong tension. Hemp or sisal ropes are best suited for this, as they do not cause constrictions and wounds to the bark. Tie down about a hand's width below the end of the stake. Finally, water the little tree generously.
Delivery size: bush form (40/60 cm trunk, total size approx. 120/150 cm, containerized); growth height: up to 400 cm; growth width: ca. 300 – 400 cm; fruits: medium size, very strong aroma, good as dessert fruit; harvest time: from mid-August; ripeness for consumption: August to early October
Care
In the growth phase of a pear tree, watering, fertilizing and topiary are important
In order for a pear tree to develop optimally and remain healthy, you have to perform some maintenance activities on a regular basis:
Pour
Although the pear tree originally belonged to the deep-rooted species, it has now become predominantly shallow-rooted due to various forms of cultivation. That is, numerous root ends lie close under the earth's surface. They will dry out faster there than in the depths. To prevent this from happening, you should water accordingly frequently – especially in summer. For young plants, the use of lime-free watering is recommended. For this purpose, use stagnant water or rainwater, for example, from a rain barrel.
Fertilizing
For growth a pear tree needs a minimum of nutrients. Fertilize from the following year after planting once a year in the spring mature compost or organic slow release fertilizer from stores. With the latter, make sure you strictly follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendation. Otherwise, you will cause under- or over-supply. Both can have harmful consequences for the fruit tree.
Organic fertilizer with potassium for all kinds of fruits and vegetables. 100% natural ingredients. Practical dosage aid. Supply the plant with all important plant nutrients from the very first application. Type.-No. 22248
Cutting
Pruning is not only beneficial for the appearance, but also strengthens the tree and promotes healthy growth and abundant harvests. Here, a distinction is made between educational incision. Thinning pruning distinguished. Cutting is done between January and April. Thinning pruning can also be done only or a second time at the end of July to the beginning of August or after harvesting, respectively. The educational pruning is already practiced on young specimens. Repeat over and over into old age as needed. How it works depends on the type of growth in question.
In a spindle tree, all still weak side shoots are splayed at a 45- to 60-degree angle using cut special strips. Cut off straight, tall, strong shoots with loppers or pruning shears. The middle and longer side shoots should be shortened to stimulate branching. If the fruit tree is older, you will find old and branched fruit wood that must be removed.
If a pyramid crown is to be created, between three and four strong lateral shoots must be shortened by one third. The selection is made at the base of the crown. Make sure your choices are evenly distributed. In addition, cut down the central shoot so that it protrudes at least a hand's width above the leading shoots. The remaining strong side shoots, water vines and inward growing branches are cut off completely.
You can educate an espalier tree by placing a wooden or wire trellis at an early age. The appropriate shoots are tied down to it. Regularly shortened at the tips up to one third. This stimulates the growth of branching and fruiting wood. Vertically growing branches are broken off.
Thinning pruning removes all diseased shoots, branches growing crosswise, and old fruiting wood, especially in the interior. This allows more light and air to enter. Air is as important as light because it prevents mold and rot from excessive, prolonged humidity.
Diseases and pests
Pear rust (l) and pear pox mite (r) have noticeable symptoms © Jean.claude – Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 3.0
Proper care also includes the control of any diseases or pest infestations and their control.
Pear lattice rust
Pear lattice rust (Gymnosporangium fuscum syn. Infectious disease. Occurs frequently on pear trees. To prevent these, spray your stock with horsetail broth at three to four week intervals between the beginning of April and the beginning of August. In the trade, there are also ready-made preparations with sulfur, which reliably prevent. If pear lattice rust is already showing, copper sprays will help.
Natural herbal extract of horsetail. Provides vigorous. Healthy growth in all plant species. Strengthens the plant tie by naturally contained silicate (silicic acid). Suitable for organic farming lt. Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
Firebrand
If fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) has spread to your pear tree, you will recognize it by dark brown to black shoot tips. This is an infection caused by bacteria and is even notifiable. Immediately remove all infested plant parts. Ideally, they should be burned.
Pear pox mite
If unusual leaf deformations appear on your pear tree, this may be the result of a pear pox mite infestation (Eriophyes pyri). If you look closely, you will see whitish-green, tiny mites with elongated, worm-like bodies. Light greenish pockmarked leaf curvatures that turn brownish as they progress and infest the entire leaf are typical identifying characteristics. You can also fight this with a sulfur preparation. Since they usually occur before or at the beginning of flowering, you should wait until after harvest to treat them. Immediate spraying is advised only in case of severe infestation.