I have two young pear trees that aren't bearing fruit. This is the first year they bloomed but still no fruit. Why is that?
Mrs. Ellen asked this question the other day and I realized we haven't discussed fruit trees yet. Fruit trees require full sun and well-draining soil, which is a very simplified statement. Personally, I would go to the LSU AgCenter and get a soil test kit, take my soil samples, write what type of trees I am trying to grow, and send it off for a quick analysis. They will send an email letting you know what soil amendments you should make to create an ideal condition for that specific plant or plants. Assuming your soil is correct, your tree is sunny, and your soil is draining we can begin looking at the condition of your trees.
Proper pollination is key to a fruit tree being productive. Most pear trees are completely or partially self-pollinated which means you need to plant at least two different varieties if you wish to produce fruit. Most pear trees flower within the first couple years and start bearing fruit as they mature. The more mature and healthy the tree, the more fruit you can expect. Pruning a young tree will develop a strong central leader and also the framework of your canopy. Pruning this young tree will encourage rapid growth and allow the tree to bush out more quickly.
Fertilizing properly is essential to a healthy and happy pear tree. First, get a soil sample to make sure your ph is between 6 and 7. 13-13-13 is an appropriate fertilizer that will give you good results. Young trees can be fertilized monthly during the growing season at a rate of ¼ cup. Avoid applying on the trunk, you should be about 6" away and evenly spread it. Lightly mix the fertilizer in and water thoroughly. Mature trees should be fed at a rate of ½ cup multiplied by the number of years to a max rate of 2 cups. This is to be applied once during early spring, each year.
So let's assume your trees are already being cared for as listed above and still won't produce. What next?! The pear tree could be affected by biotic and/or abiotic stressors. Biotic stress includes pests, fungus, or girdling roots not sending nutrients properly. Abiotic stress could be excessive soil compaction, equipment impacted the tree damaging the bark and cambium, dumping your crawfish boil water at the base of the tree, or even a lightning strike (as discussed in our previous column). Maybe your tree didn't have enough cold weather to break the dormancy. This year was odd with the very late freezes, it definitely impacted blueberries and could have had the same impact on your pear trees. Healthy trees produce healthy fruit.
If you are in need of an Arborist please give us a call at 985-839-2637.
If you have a question, email them to us at onecallsawworks@gmail.com or mail them to One Call Saw Works, P.O. Box 427, Franklinton, LA 70438.
