I have 3 pear trees all planted about 3 years ago. One, a Comice is growing well...lots of leaves and new shoots every year and it has flowered twice. 15 feet away (same soil and conditions) ia a Ure pear that begrudgingly leafs out every year but does not seem to send out much in the way of shoots. Third is a Warren pear (in a triangle 15 feet away)--same slow growth. All are on Pyrus communis rootstock.
Because fireblight is a big problem in this area, I have resisted fertilizing these trees. They get plenty of water, have an open, sunny location. I have not mulched around them as they are planted in lawn.
Any suggestions on bringing on some better growth without promoting fireblight?
Thanks
deb (zone 5 or 6 depending on the map) in SE Ohio
[NAFEX] slow growing pears,
Deb Schneider, 06/07/2006