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Pear tree #870452

Asked May 28, 2024, 3:01 PM EDT

We bought a pear tree 3 years ago. The first summer it had a few small pears that dried up and fell. Last year it had many leaves and was very healthy but no pears. This year same thing,no blossoms at all. We have a peach tree, 2 cherry and 1 apple for cross pollination. Why no pears? Thanks for your expertise.

Marquette County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Marie, 

Typically, pears do not bloom/bear fruit for the first few years. This is most likely the key issue here!! But, I have some other considerations for pollination and encouraging bloom. 

Pears will set up floral buds the previous growing season. These buds then overwinter and bloom the following spring. If trees are stressed out, they will not put energy into making flowers for the next season. Giving pears enough water throughout the season and providing proper fertilization is key to helping them bloom. 

If you are pruning the pear tree in the winter, make sure that you are leaving enough buds to bloom, too. 

My next concern is pollination. I'm glad you're growing different types of fruit! However, pears will only be pollinated by other pears. They can be picky about which pears cross-pollinate too. Here is information on pear cross-pollination: https://treefruit.wsu.edu/web-article/pear-pollination/

Best,

Lindsay Brown Replied May 30, 2024, 9:30 AM EDT
Thank you for taking the time to give me all of the valuable information. We recently purchased a Bartlett Pear tree and planted it close to the pear tree that wasn’t producing fruit. Fingers crossed!
Sent from my iPhone

On May 30, 2024, at 9:30 AM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2025, 4:55 PM EDT

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