Mulching and Weed Control - Studies show that lawn grass turf over the roots of pear trees suppresses growth. Surround the trunks of young trees instead with a 2 inch thick organic mulch spread out to the drip line. Use wood chips, chopped leaves, shredded bark or a similar material. This layer of mulch will discourage weeds, conserve soil moisture and protect the tree from injury from mechanical yard care equipment.

Spray Program - In the spring, when the buds show green tissue, spray lime sulfur (2 ounces for each gallon of water) to prevent fungal diseases. Do not apply lime sulfur within 3 weeks of a dormant oil spray on the same tree, or when the tree is in blossom. At this time spray the tree with insecticidal soap (3 ounces for each gallon of water) to control aphids and scale. Also spray with seaweed extract (1/2 ounce for each gallon of water) to stimulate growth.

Seven days later, before pink buds begin to show (called tight cluster) spray with lime sulfur (1 ounce for each gallon of water) to prevent apple scab. If it rains and temperatures are above 60°F., apply lime sulfur at a concentration of 2 ounces per gallon of water as soon as possible. At the same time, apply insecticidal soap (3 ounces for each gallon of water) to control aphids, scale, and mites, and spray with BT (1 tablespoon for each gallon of water) to kill caterpillars. Do not mix lime sulfur with BT.

Seven days later, when blossoms begin to show pink (called open cluster), apply flowable sulfur spray (1 ounce for each gallon of water). Use a surfactant or insecticidal soap (3 ounces per gallon of water) with the flowable sulfur spray to make it stick better. In addition, spray foliage with BT (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) to kill caterpillars. Do not mix flowable sulfur with BT.

Seven days later, during pink to early bloom, repeat the previous step.

During the bloom period, you normally do not spray pear trees with a fungicide, but if it rains and temperatures are warmer than 60° F, apply a flowable sulfur spray at a concentration of 1/2 ounce per gallon of water. Consider spraying BT (2 ounces per gallon of water) at this time to control tent caterpillars. Use a surfactant with the sulfur but do not mix BT in with the sulfur spray.

At petal fall (seven days after full bloom), spray trees with flowable sulfur (1 ounce per gallon of water). Apply BT (2 ounces per gallon of water) for tent caterpillars and leafrollers. Use insecticidal soap only if there is an observable infestation of aphids, scale, or mites. Use ryania or rotenone if other insect pests are spotted.

Seven days after petal fall (at first cover), repeat Step 7; repeat again seven days later (at second cover

Thinning - Many pear varieties tend to set more pears than they can handle. Several weeks after the trees bloom, thin the fruit of young pear trees to about 6 to 8 inches apart on the branches. Try to achieve a ratio of leaves to fruit of about 50 leaves for each pear. This provides enough leaves to produce the carbohydrates needed for pears to mature to a full size. In some cases then, there may be enough leaves to support fruit glowing closer together than the 6 to 8 inch guideline.