Pear Tree – Is It Dead

Question

I am new to the gardening world .. I desperately need help on my pear tree? Has this got some sort of disease? Do I need to cut it all down ? And this is also attracting a lot of ants.. please can you advise .. many thanks

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Answer 1

Starting with fruit trees is a big challenge for new gardeners. Fruit trees are best grown with a regular spraying schedule for pests and disease. They often need pruning and fertilizing besides adequate water. Not the easiest plants to grow for a beginner, so don't be too discouraged.

It looks like your tree has several things going on. The ants are attracted to honeydew produced by aphids, scale or pear psylla. Aphids are on the leaves and scale are usually on stems or trunks. Pear psylla looks like cicadas. Honeydew can cause sooty mold. I think I see galls, too. Here is information that should help:
https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/pear/pear-psylla/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/fixing-pear-tree-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/pear-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/pear-crown-gall-treatment.htm