Ornamental Pear Tree Problems

Pyrus calleryana is popularly known as the ornamental pear tree and is different from the edible sort of pears. This deciduous tree species is native to China that grows more than 60 feet tall with dark and dense foliage that is lighter below. This tree with conical or rounded crown, flowers during spring with white flowers that have sticky and sweet smell. Due to the unique ability of turning landscape designs by the distinct change in its foliage and the overall appearance, the landscaping value of the ornamental pear tree is much higher.

It is an agreed fact that ornamental pear trees are amongst the best ornamental trees for landscaping, and one must welcome this refreshing change of gardening ornamental pear trees in ones garden. When a person decides to plant the ornamental pear trees, he has to be aware about certain things related to the plant care and health. There are many flowering pear tree varieties, and so, one has to learn separately about the flowering pear tree care and problems. Though there are varieties in the types flowering pear trees, the ornamental pear tree problems are more or less similar to the general pear tree problems.

Problems with Ornamental Pear Trees

Ornamental pear tree belongs to the family of apple, blackberry and rose and hence, the problems with ornamental pear trees are also somewhat similar to those of the mentioned trees. There are more than 800 cultivars of the flowering pear tree. The most popular ornamental pear trees are the Bradford Pear, Chanticleer Pear and the Cleveland pear tree. Their cultivars share the same problems, and that is, upright growth of the branches and the possibility of their breakage and splitting, but then this problem can be sorted out with the regular pruning and maintenance of the trees. One of the basic problems with ornamental pear trees are the different pear tree diseases that are mostly caused by the bacterial or fungal infection. Let's see what are the troublesome ornamental pear tree disease are:

Fire Blight Disease
Fire blight disease is the most destructive diseases of them all that can cause extensive tree damage, if not spotted in time. There are several types of the fire blight and that can be decided upon the time of their actual appearance. The bacterial disease fire blight mostly attacks the small and younger leaves during the spring season. The most prominent sign of the fire blights is a sticky deposition on the plant stems. If you spot such things then it is best to spray any of the bacteria resistant fertilizers. That can reduce this dangerous ornamental pear tree problem.

Leaf Scorch Disease
The leaf scorch disease occurs as an outburst of the weather stress and extreme and sudden change in the weather. Hence, leaf scorch disease generally appears after a really dry and hot weather. It occurs as the tree roots cannot supply the adequate amount of water to the leaves. In case of this disease, it is very important to make sure that there is enough of the soil moisture around the tree. Mulching around the tree and wetting the soil can be very helpful for the plant to maintain its health. Also, make sure that the roots of the tree don't get damaged by the lawn movers and string trimmers.

Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease, that is also one of the most destructive problems, is a fungal disease that really has the capacity of devaluation of the beauty and health of the ornamental pear trees. It causes numerous leaf spots on ornamental pear tree leaves and causes defoliation. The leaf spots are with grayish white centers that are defined with sharp margins. If not treated in time, the margins get swelled up and can cause sort of bumpy structures on the leaves. On initial spotting of the disease, it can be managed by spraying regular fungicides.

Root Rot Disease
Root rot disease on ornamental pear trees is also caused by fungal infection. This disease is also called cotton root rot. The foremost symptom of root rot is wilting of the leaves in the summer season, when this fungus is most active. If not observed in time, the tree can die, with the healthy leaves still on the trees. The root rot always affects the matured trees and can also cause rotting of the entire tap root. This problem can also be caused by poor irrigation. So, it is very important to provide the plant with proper irrigation and quality fungicides.

Apart from these three major and common problems, there are several other diseases that can cause problems. These diseases include crown gall disease, blisters, late leaf rot, sooty mold and powdery mildew, etc. It is very important to learn proper tree care techniques for the best results and a better health of this beautiful aesthetic plant.

Gain a little bit knowledge of the plant psychology and additional TLC and see what great results this beautiful ornamental pear tree gives you! Happy gardening!