Planting Pear Trees: Instructions And Tips From The Expert

You cannot compare apples with pears. That is why we explain in our instructions what you need to pay particular attention to when planting pears. The pear (Pyrus), for some the big little sister of the apple, was already worshipped by the Babylonians as a sacred tree.

It is planted in large parts of Europe both as a cultivated fruit and for ornamental purposes. Although many different varieties are suitable for consumption, only a few are offered in the trade. To profit from the variety of this plant, you should plant pear trees in your own garden.

Buy Pear Tree: As Pot Or Baled?

The best way to find out about suitable varieties adapted to the conditions in your garden is to contact the nursery of your choice. Most of the time, the same variety is even offered as a baled product and as container goods. But what is the difference?

The answer to this question lies in the method of cultivation. Trees that are sold as baled goods stand in the field and are only cut out and packed with a soil ball before being ordered. Usually, these trees grow well when planted properly since only a small part of the root mass is lost during transplanting.Cute little boy picking pear fruit

However, they are only available in this form in early spring or autumn. In contrast, container goods are available all year round, but the trees are usually not quite as robust, because cultivation takes place in a container (or tub), in which they are later sold.

A big advantage of container goods is, however, that no root mass is lost through pruning and the tree, therefore, develops very well in the first year already. An overview of the best and most popular pear varieties can be found here.

Peartree planting: The right planting time

Pear trees, like all other fruit trees, are best planted in autumn (October/November). This allows the trees to grow well over the winter and spread their roots. Alternatively, spring planting is also possible from March onwards, when strong frosts are no longer to be expected. At this time, the so-called baled plants are also available in many nurseries.two red ripe pears on a branch

Instructions for pear tree planting

It is best to proceed step by step when planting a new pear tree. We have prepared detailed instructions for you below.

Materials needed to plant a pear tree

The following utensils should be available for planting a pear tree:

  • Spade, shovel, hoe.
  • Support pile, binding material.
  • Hammer, Garden shears.
  • Fresh plant and compost soil.
  • Trunk protection, coconut mat.

pear planting tools

Select a suitable location for a pear tree

To ensure that your pear tree can grow and flourish well, the choice of location is already of great importance. Pears prefer a sunny, warm, and protected location. An ideal location is, for example, on a sunny house wall, where it can also be grown as an espalier tree. Sandy loam soils with a sufficient humus content are best suited for pear trees. Sandy, poor soils can be improved with compost or rotten dung, for example.

Dig a planting hole for a pear tree

First, you have to estimate the size of the planting hole. The following rule applies: The planting hole should be about twice as large as the pot and about a third deeper than the root ball of the tree is high. Use a spade to roughly pierce the outline of the planting hole and then remove the individual layers of soil. Then loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole with a hoe.

Man planting a young pear tree

Mount support post for a pear tree

If the planting hole has already been dug, a support pole can be driven in immediately. The pear tree is later tied to this support pole. The pole should be approximately the same height as the trunk. The west side of the planting hole is particularly suitable for this because the tree will later be pushed away from the pole by the wind.

Prepare a planting hole for a pear tree

To give the pear tree good starting conditions, it is best to put some fresh potting soil and some compost into the planting hole. Then mix the various layers well and, if necessary, add some fertilizer with long-term organic effects in granular forms. This is gradually decomposed by the microorganisms in the soil and releases the nutrients for the plant.

You might so like: Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant) – Care Instructions And Propagation

Prepare the pear tree before planting

Next, use a pair of scissors to score the root ball a little all around and loosen it up with your hands. The small injuries create new roots that grow downwards and can suck in water very well. As a rule, container goods do not have to be cut back additionally.

Tip from the professional: If the root ball is very dry after purchase, it can be dipped into a bucket of water again before inserting it.

Planting a pear tree

Place the young pear tree in the planting hole so that the grafting point still protrudes at least 5 centimeters above the ground level. Then fill the hole with the excavated soil again and carefully tread down on it to close off all cavities. Finally, you should water the freshly planted tree well. Grouting ensures that the soil in the planting hole settles well and encloses the roots.To protect the young pear tree from wind, it is tied with a rope

To protect the pear tree from strong winds, it is now tied a hand’s breadth below the end of the pile. Take care not to attach the rope too tightly so that the tree does not suffer any constrictions. The use of special feeding protection also protects the young tree from rodents. Placing a coconut mat underneath the tree, in turn, ensures that the tree disc remains free of weeds and that there is no competition for nutrients between the herbs and the flat-rooted pear tree.

The underlay of a coconut mat protects the pear tree from weeds

Summary Pear tree planting:

  • An autumn planting (October/November) is ideal
  • Prefers a sunny, wind-protected location
  • The planting hole should be at least twice as large as the pot
  • Drive-in supporting pile on the west side
  • Bring in fresh planting and composting soil
  • Slightly scratch and loosen the root ball
  • Place the tree in the center and close the hole with the excavated earth
  • Carefully step on the ground and wrap up well
  • Tie it to a pole, put on feeding protection, and lay the coconut mat on the ground

You might so like: Honeyberry: Varieties, Location And Pruning Of The Fly Honeysuckle

Peartree care after planting

Especially young fruit trees should always be supplied with sufficient water in the first years after planting. With annual fertilization with compost or organic slow-release fertilizers, you can also optimally support the growth and development of your tree so that you can soon harvest the first pears. For a rich harvest, however, the correct pruning and later regular thinning is also important. You can find more information about cutting pear trees in our special article.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *