Pear Tree Query

[nilrac52]

Good evening. I moved to my current address and inherited 1 x apple tree, 2 x plum trees and a pear tree. The apple and plum trees produce an acceptable amount of produce but last year and this year the pear tree has been quite disastrous. The tree produces 3 or 4 very small fruit and the tree and the leaves are withering about 2 weeks now. The largest pear is about the size of a cork from a wine bottle. I would be very grateful foryour ideas and suggestions. Perhaps the tree is beyond help. Many thanks for your assistance.

[paddywak]

my BiL had the same problem 3-4 years ago with his pear tree, he did a bit of research pruned it back quite hard the next year he had hardly any fruit but since them he's had some bumper crops.

[nilrac52]

Thanks Paddywak. I will try a severe prune and hopefully I will get results.

[Chipchopper]

I think Paddwak's answer is Spot on!
Old and neglected trees can be rejuvenated and well worth the time and effort!
So it looks like, you have your work cut out this autumn/winter for some robust pruning.
Cut out any, dead, diseased and crossed branches and try to keep the ones you have chosen to save about 2ft apart.
You could also try a mulch/feed around the root area with well rotted stable manure to enhance this.
It may take 2-3 seasons before you really start reaping the rewards but worth it, I'am sure!
Hopefully the wine bottle sized fruits will become more the size of light bulbs!

[nilrac52]

Thank you Chipchopper for taking the time to reply to my enquiry. Thank you for the advice re pruning and subsequent feeding care. Yes it looks like a bit of work ahead but hopefully as you say I will see the benefits of the hard work. Once again thank you.

[Clanad]

Thing is, at least with most cultivars (excepting Bartlett and Anjou) here in the U.S., most pears are not self-pollinating. Therefore you would need another pear tree, hopefully of the same variety to assure a crop. Additionally, the pear's nectar isn't appealing to bees, although other insects can be helpful.

The pruining is a good idea, but youmay wish to look into planting at least one more...

[nilrac52]

Hi Clannad and thank you for your contribution. I didn't realise that pear trees needed a pollinator although I did with apples. There is an apple pollinator nearby but maybe that is no good for the pear tree? I will certainly investigate a second tree. Thank you once again. I appreciate you taking the time to give me your advice.