The pear tree comes in flowering (Pyrus calleryana) and fruiting (Pyrus communis) species. Many cities and neighborhoods across the United States have been planting flowering pear trees alongside roadways and around public buildings. Recently, however, questions about the longevity and invasiveness of certain species have brought their use into question.
The Bradford variety is particularly notorious for having weak limbs. And, although newer species are resistant, most flowering pear trees are susceptible to fire blight, a disease that shortens the lifespan of pear trees.
Growing a Flowering Pear Tree
Variety: Pyrus calleryana
Zones: 5 to 9
Soil Type: Average soil requirements
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Sunlight: Prefers full sun
Watering: Average watering needs
Flowering pear trees should be planted in full sun and soil with good drainage. Fertilize your pear in the spring with a balanced fertilizer or fertilizer tree spikes. Pruning should be done in late winter to remove dead or damaged limbs and to remove any limbs that grow across other limbs.
Flowering Pear Tree Varieties
Growing a Pear Tree For Fruit
Variety: Pyrus communis
Zones: 5 to 9
Soil Type: Average soil requirements
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Sunlight: Prefers full sun
Watering: Average watering needs
Fruiting pear trees require plenty of sun and well-drained soil. If you don't have a self-pollinating variety, you'll need to plant more than one tree if you're looking for fruit. Pears should be harvested before they are fully ripe and should be allowed to ripen in a cool, dry place.
Pear tree care for fruiting varieties includes pruning in late winter to create open space in the center of the tree. This allows for light and air circulation throughout the interior of the tree.
Fruiting Pear Tree Varieties
 | Though different varieties of fruit trees require different care and maintenance, there are a few basic must-knows when planting. |
Imagine having trees in your backyard that produce beautiful fragrant flowers, lush shady foliage and a bountiful harvest of fresh fruit. Sound too good to be true? It's not, not if you begin by planting the fruit trees correctly and keep them pruned. |
You can probably easily imagine the appeal of fresh fruit trees in your backyard. Having oranges, apples, plums, pears, and even avocados available right at your fingertips is the dream of any fresh food enthusiast. |
Homeowners in the southern United States can grow lemons in their yard. And everyone else can grow lemon trees as an indoor potted plant that might even bloom and produce lemons. |
The fig tree is a handsome ornamental, with silvery bark and very large leaves. |
