Fertilize pear trees » How, when and with what?

Like all fruit trees, pear trees, which are destined to bear a rich harvest, need sufficient nutrients. With proper fertilization, you ensure that the tree can develop plenty of tasty fruit. Mulching is the ideal fertilization method.

Fertilize the pear tree after planting

Although pear trees in the garden need enough nutrients, you should not do too much of a good thing. In particular, nitrogen-rich fertilizers should only be used sparingly.

When planting the pear tree, improve the soil in the planting hole with mature compost or well-rotted stable soil. This fertilization lasts the first years.

Make sure the roots do not come into direct contact with fresh fertilizer material. This can cause you to “burn out”.

Fertilize old pear trees

If the pear tree has grown well, it hardly needs additional fertilization. In the spring, lightly rake some mature compost or rotted manure into the ground.

Special fertilizers for fruits, such as those available in specialized stores, do not necessarily have to be administered. If the tree does not bear fruit, there are usually other reasons besides a lack of nutrients.

Be careful with fertilizers that contain nitrogen. Too much causes strong shoots of branches and prevents the formation of flowers and fruits.

Mulching: the best way to fertilize a pear tree

An ideal fertilization is the mulch cover. The material breaks down, releasing important nutrients into the soil. The cover also prevents weeds from growing.

Cut wood should not be used as mulch on young trees, as this removes too much nitrogen.

Pest-free leaves are well suited for mulch. Spread dry leaves on the tree disk in spring.

Fertilizer tips in brief:

• Incorporate compost or barn manure into the tires
• Sprinkle compost or horn shavings (€32.93) around the tree
• Mulch with leaves or straw
• Mulch with a mix of grass clippings, leaves, and weeds

In the fall, remove the layer of mulch. Field mice like to nest here, causing lasting damage to the roots of young trees in particular.

tips and tricks

Experienced gardeners plant spinach or mustard in the disk of the pear tree in spring. This keeps weeds out and provides the soil with additional nutrients. Dandelions have also proven effective as a substrate for pear trees.