Pears grow big but stay hard a long time

Question

Our pear trees are growing very nice sized pears. They just don’t seem to get ripe all the way before they rot. This is the trees’ thrid year and they are doing well. Would love to be able to eat some of what we grow. Is there something the soil may need? We do use the stake fertilizer for trees once a year. Help please.

Answer 1

Most pear varieties need to ripen somewhat after they are picked and will never fully ripen on the tree. See this article for how to tell when a pear is ready to pick:

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/node/413

Also check this article in case there are any pear diseases that match what you see:

https://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/diseases/pear-diseases