Fire Blight In Pear Tree

Question

Three years ago I planted a bare root Bartlet pear tree. It rooted and has been growing well until this past late winter spring when Fire Blight began to appear on its leaves. Careful trimming was done to remove the infected branches/leaves. Now new sprouts are appearing near the trunk (about 24 to 36″ in length. The leaves look heathly. The overall tree is about 6′ tall. The tree appears dormant due the Fire Blight. Question: I’ve been considering replacing the tree since I understand the Fire Blight remains within the tree. However, since the lower part of the tree has new growth, should I trim the rest of the tree down to that point and take a chance on the blight having not reached the base of the tree?

Answer 1

I would not allow the lower portion of the tree to grow. Likely, it is not the same pear as the top. Usually, they are grafted to a more vigorous root stock that does not fruit well, or at all.

I would replace the tree, after solarizing the soil. This will get rid of anything lurking in the soil in an expedited manner.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm