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Finding the right place on my property to plant two pear trees #941069

Asked July 30, 2026, 4:02 PM EDT

I bought two pear trees, a golden and a golden spice (I think). I thought I had a couple of possible spots picked out, but I'm afraid it's either too close to the septic tank, an underground electrical pipe, or well, approximately 10-12 feet from any. How close can I comfortable plant to those "obstacles?"

Lake County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
I need to know more about the size of your lot, the varieties of tree (so that I know their mature size), slope and north-south orientation.
Please send me a picture of the lot, indicating the time of day that it is shot and the direction the camera is pointing.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied July 30, 2026, 5:02 PM EDT

On Thu, Jul 30, 2026, 4:02 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT
Please send me a simple photo or two, not a vid.
Thank you.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied August 01, 2026, 11:07 AM EDT
Taken at 11a this morning. 
The first pic is pointing NE. The septic tanks are right in the middle. You can see the hole I dug for the Early Gold Pear. It's not planted, just in the hole. I'm afraid at 6 feet to the septic, it's too close. Septic field is the mound in the background.
The second pic points SW. The wellhead is to the right.
The shed and raised garden can be moved.

On Sat, Aug 1, 2026, 10:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT
The second pear tree is a Golden Spice.
On Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:22 AM Darcy Horn <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Taken at 11a this morning. 
The first pic is pointing NE. The septic tanks are right in the middle. You can see the hole I dug for the Early Gold Pear. It's not planted, just in the hole. I'm afraid at 6 feet to the septic, it's too close. Septic field is the mound in the background.
The second pic points SW. The wellhead is to the right.
The shed and raised garden can be moved.

On Sat, Aug 1, 2026, 10:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT
Thank you for writing back. 
That is beautiful property!

Early Gold mature size width 18-24, height 25-35
Golden Spice 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet

All the information I am finding suggests a 20 foot setback for pears however this is also a matter of state policy. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-wwists4-47.pdf

If you have not already done so, I suggest that you have the wellhead and septic system and these trees reviewed by the Lake County Soil and Water district, especially given that there appears to be a stream on the property. https://lakecountymn.gov/soil-and-water-conservation-district/
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied August 01, 2026, 1:34 PM EDT

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