Lawn Guardian

Ornamental Pear Care Guide

Pyrus calleryana

treeZones 5–9

Fast-growing ornamental with masses of white spring flowers and glossy green summer foliage turning red-purple in fall. Widely used as a street and landscape tree.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Structural pruning Early spring before bloom

Thin narrow-angle branch crotches to reduce splitting risk. Remove water sprouts and suckers. This species is prone to storm damage.

Summer

Monitor for fire blight Throughout summer

Watch for blackened shoot tips that curve into a shepherd's crook shape. Prune 12 inches below infection.

Fall

Inspect branch structure After leaf drop

Check for narrow crotch angles that could split in winter ice/snow. Consider cabling for weak unions.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns