You can't compare apples with oranges. That's why we explain in our instructions what you have to pay particular attention to when planting pear trees.
The pear (Pyrus), considered by some to be the apple's big little sister, was already venerated as a sacred tree by the Babylonians. It is planted both as a cultivated fruit and as an ornament in large parts of Europe. Although there are many different varieties that are suitable for consumption, only a few are commercially available. In order to benefit from the variety of this plant, you should definitely plant pear trees in your own garden.
Buy a pear tree: in pots or in bunches?
It is best to find out about suitable varieties that are adapted to the site conditions in your garden from a tree nursery of your choice. In most cases, one and the same variety is offered as bale goods and as container goods. But what is the difference?
The answer to this question lies in the way of cultivation. Trees that are sold in bales are standing in the field and are only dug out with a ball of earth and packed before the order is placed. As a rule, these trees grow well when planted properly, since only a small part of the root mass is lost during transplanting. However, they are only available in this form in early spring or autumn. Container goods, on the other hand, are available all year round, but the trees are usually not quite as robust because they are cultivated in a container (or bucket), in which they are later sold. A big advantage of container ware, however, is that no root mass is lost through cutting out and the tree therefore develops very well in the first year. You can find an overview of the best and most popular pear varieties here.
Planting a pear tree: 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, if there are no severe frostsmore are to be expected. At this time, the so-called bale goods are also available in many tree nurseries.
Pear Tree Planting Instructions
It is best to take a step-by-step approach when planting a new pear tree. We have prepared detailed instructions for you below.
Materials Required to Plant a Pear Tree
The following utensils should be ready for planting a pear tree:
- Spade, shovel, pickaxe
- Support pole, binding material
- Hammer, Secateurs
- Fresh plant and compost soil
- trunk protection, coconut mat
Choose a suitable location for the pear tree
In order for your pear tree to grow and thrive, the choice of location is very important. Pears prefer a sunny, warm and sheltered spot. For example, a place on a sunny house wall is ideal, where it can also be grown as a trellis tree. Sandy, loamy soils with a sufficient proportion of humus are best suited for pear trees. For example, you can improve sandy, poor soil with compost or rotted manure.
Dig planting hole" for pear tree
First you have to estimate the size of the planting hole. The following rule applies: The planting hole should be about twice the size of the pot and about a third deeper than the root ball of the tree. Roughly pierce the outline of the planting hole with the spade and then remove the individual layers of soil. Then the soil at the bottom of the hole is loosened up with a hoe.
Tip: Grafted pear trees can vary in size depending on the rootstock used. When planting, make sure there is sufficient distance to other trees so that the mature pear tree still has enough space. In fact, it is also possible to graft a pear onto a quince. Both species belong to the Rosaceae family. An intergrowth of plants from different genera is an exception, so not all genera of the rose family can grow together in a stable manner. The combination of the pear variety 'Conference' with a quince, for example, is not entirely stable. For better compatibility, an intermediate refinementrecommended with 'Gellert's Butter Pear' which blends better with the quince base. Incidentally, the not quite perfect adhesion has the effect that the composite tree grows weaker and remains smaller. Quince rootstocks were grown for pears because for a long time there were no weak-growing pears available.
Insert pear tree support stake
Once the planting hole has already been dug, a support post can be hammered in straight away. The pear tree will later be tied to this. The stake should be about the same height as the trunk for this. The west side of the planting hole is particularly suitable for this, because the wind will later push the tree away from the post.
Prepare planting hole for pear tree
In order to give the pear tree good starting conditions, it is best to put some fresh potting soil and some compost in the planting hole. Then mix the different layers well and, if necessary, work in some fertilizer with an organic long-term effect in granular form - such as our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer. This is gradually decomposed by the microorganisms in the soil and releases the nutrients for the plant.
Preparing the pear tree before planting
Next, use 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 up water very well. Container goods usually do not have to be cut back.
Tip from the professional: If the root ball is very dry after purchase, it can be dipped in a bucket of water again before use.
Plant a pear tree
Place the young pear tree in the planting hole so that the grafting point protrudes at least 5 centimeters above ground level. Then fill the hole back up with the excavated earth and tread it carefully so that all cavities are closed. Finally, you should water the newly planted tree well. Sluicing ensures that the soil settles well in the planting hole and encloses the roots.
To protect the pear tree from strong winds, it is now tied a hand's breadth below the end of the post. You should be careful not to attach the rope too tightly so that the tree does not suffer constrictions. Attaching a specialFeeding protection also protects the young tree from rodents. In turn, placing a coconut mat underneath ensures that the tree disc remains free of weeds and that there is no competition for nutrients between the herbs and the shallow-rooted pear tree.
Plant pear tree summary:
- An autumn planting (October/November) is ideal
- Prefers a sunny, sheltered location
- Planting hole should be at least twice the size of the pot
- Hit the supporting pile on the west side
- Bring in fresh potting soil and compost
- Slightly carve and loosen the root balls
- Place the tree in the middle and close the hole with the excavated earth
- Apply carefully and sleep well
- Tie to a post, attach grazing protection and lay a coconut mat on the ground
Care for the pear tree after planting
Young fruit trees in particular should always be supplied with sufficient water in the first few years after planting. With annual fertilization with compost or organic long-term fertilizers, you 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 right training pruning and later the regular thinning pruning are also important. See our feature article for more information on pruning pear trees.