Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Plant a Pear Tree?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

Planting a pear tree is a relatively straightforward gardening chore. The most important thing to remember when planting any fruit tree is to take the time to prepare the planting hole properly. The time invested in preparing the planting hole is outweighed by the many years that your pear tree will grow in that location.

Before you start digging, it is important to choose a sunny spot. Pears produce best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If a pear tree doesn’t receive enough sunlight, it may not bloom, or the fruit may be weak.

Planting a pear tree will reap benefits for decades to come.
Planting a pear tree will reap benefits for decades to come.

Once you have settled on a location, it is time to start digging. Dig a hole that is approximately one and one half times as large as the container that your pear tree is planted in. As you remove the soil from the hole, place it on a plastic garbage bag or a tarp. This makes it much easier to shovel back into the hole later.

After your hole is complete, it is time to add something to enrich the soil. If you are lucky enough to have access to compost or well-rotted livestock manure, you have the perfect amendments. If not, visit your local garden center for bagged compost. Adding organic matter is important for several reasons. It adds nutrients to the soil and it helps the soil drain and hold water as necessary. This prevents the roots from drowning or drying out.

Pear trees need lots of sunlight.
Pear trees need lots of sunlight.

Add several shovels full of organic matter to the hole, along with several shovels of the dirt you removed from the hole. Mix the two lightly with your shovel and then smooth the dirt in the bottom of the hole. Gently remove the pear tree from its container and place it into the hole. When you begin to fill in the dirt around the pear tree it is helpful to have a friend to hold the trunk of the tree while you shovel in the dirt. This ensures that your tree will be straight. Use a mixture of organic matter and the soil that was removed from the hole to refill the area around the tree.

When you are finished, the tree should be planted at the same depth as it was in the container. Now water the pear tree thoroughly so that it gets a healthy start. Some of the dirt will compress when you water the tree, so it may be necessary to add a little additional dirt around the hole. You will probably have some additional dirt left over. This can be added to an existing flower bed or compost pile.

Discussion Comments

golf07

You can also buy ornamental pear trees if you want a decorative look to your landscape. Some of them bear fruit, but many of them do not. They are known for their beautiful white blossoms.

Most ornamental pear trees are supposed to be about 8-10 feet tall. I planted one two years ago, and it is about 5 feet tall right now. It has not produced any fruit yet, but I love the white blooms in the spring.

The ornamental tree I bought is supposed to produce some fruit, so I am hoping that by next year I will have some.

John57

Planting a pear tree is very similar to planting an apple tree. You will want to have an area that gets a lot of sunshine and good drainage.

I think one of the most important things to remember when planting any kind of tree is how tall and wide it will be when it reaches maturity. If you want to plant more than one tree, you don't want them to be too close together.

If you don't have much room on your property, you can also buy dwarf pear trees. They will bear fruit, but don't get as big as a regular tree.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Planting a pear tree will reap benefits for decades to come.
      By: Anna Kucherova
      Planting a pear tree will reap benefits for decades to come.
    • Pear trees need lots of sunlight.
      By: SunnyS
      Pear trees need lots of sunlight.