How Do You Select A Pear Tree?
If you live in zone 5, 6 or 7 and are considering starting a home orchard, give serious thought to including pear trees. Most pear trees, including the popular Bartlett pear tree, are fast growing and thrive in zones 5 through 7. Learn the two traits that determine the growth and production of fruit trees: the variety and the rootstock. Variety determines the qualities of the fruit and the winter hardiness of the pear tree. Rootstock determines the size of the tree and rapidity with which it first produces fruit. Realize that pears usually require cross pollination, which means you must plant at least two trees of different varieties. Decide how much space you can devote to your pear trees, and select a rootstock accordingly. Dwarf trees should be planted at least 12 feet apart. Semi-dwarf and regular pear trees should be planted at least 20 to 25 feet apart. If you don’t have that much room, select a dwarf rootstock. Pick from among 13 varieties of pear trees, depending on the charact
