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Picking the Right Size Pear Tree

Gardening Guide: Picture Perfect Pear Guide: All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating Delicious Pears

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Picking the Right Size Pear Tree

By Norann Oleson

A small pear tree bearing fruit.

A small pear tree bearing fruit.

Pear trees do not reproduce true from seed and can’t be raised consistently from cuttings. Most commercial varieties of pear tree have two basic components: the rootstock and the scion. The rootstock controls the growth rate and size of the mature tree; the scion determines which cultivar the tree produces. Some rootstocks have a dwarfing effect; if you want to maximize your garden space, a dwarf variety is a good choice. Other rootstocks are resistant to different diseases. Look especially for varieties that are resistant to fire blight—that’s the nastiest disease that can afflict pear trees.

A full-size pear tree grafted on a standard rootstock can grow to a height of 30 feet and a width of 20 feet. Dwarf rootstocks can produce trees that are only 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. And to be clear, the category of dwarf tree refers only to the size of the tree; dwarf pear trees produce full-size fruit.

As you consider which varieties you’d like to grow, keep in mind that no matter how tall a given pear tree can grow, you are ultimately in control of just how big your tree gets. Planning and pruning will enable you to tailor your trees to your garden space.

Talk to the folks at your local extension center for tips on picking the perfect pear trees for your garden.

What size pear tree is right for your growing needs? And how many pear trees do you have? Please tell us in the comments below.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Featured Articles

  • Types of Pear Trees
  • Ornamental Nuisances: Flowering Pear Trees
  • Picking the Right Size Pear Tree
  • Training and Pruning your Pear Trees
  • Pairing Up For Pear Pollination
  • Pear Trees by Size and Form
  • A Word About Planning Your Pear Use
  • Choosing to Grow Pears from Seeds or Seedlings
  • Growing Pears in Open Land, in Containers, or in Raised Beds
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Pear Trees
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Pears
  • Should You Fertilize Your Pear Trees?
  • How—and When—to Water Your Pear Trees
  • Picking the Perfect Pear
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Pear Diseases and Pest Infestations
  • Post-Harvest Pear Crop Infections
  • Pear Pests
  • Basic Preventive Measures to Avoid Pear Tree Diseases
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Pears
  • Plant Profiles

  • Shinseiki Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Shinseiki” (Asian Pear)
  • Nijisseiki Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Nijisseiki” (Asian Pear)
  • Hosui Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Hosui” (Asian Pear)
  • Chojuro Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Chojuro” (Asian Pear)
  • Red Sensation Pear: Pyrus communis “Red Sensation” (European Pear)
  • Red Clapp’s Favorite Pear: Pyrus communis “Red Clapp’s Favorite” (European Pear)
  • Orient Pear: Pyrus communis “Orient” (European Pear)
  • Moonglow Pear: Pyrus communis “Moonglow” (European Pear)
  • Kieffer Pear: Pyrus communis “Kieffer” (European Pear)
  • Harrow Sweet Pear: Pyrus communis “Harrow Sweet” (European Pear)
  • Comice Pear: Pyrus communis “Comice” (European Pear)
  • Bosc Pear: Pyrus communis “Bosc” (European Pear)
  • Bartlett Pear: Pyrus communis “Bartlett” (European Pear)
  • Anjou Pear: Pyrus communis “Anjou” (European Pear)
  • Recipes

  • Chocolate Pear Cake
  • Fruit Leather
  • Pear Jam
  • Vanilla Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce
  • Spiced Poached Pears
  • Pear Crisp
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Pears
  • Health Benefits of Pears
  • Resources about Pears
  • Pear Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • Picture Perfect Pear Guide—All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating Delicious Pears

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