I have a newly planted (autumn 2014) Conference pear with sad wilting leaves. I don't believe it's overwatered, as it's in a well draining planter (120 x 120 cm) against a south facing wall. It shares the planter with some vigorous foxgloves. How can I tell if it is wilting from drought or wilting from over watering?
You need to feel the soil. Is it wet? Soggy? or Dry to the touch a few inches down?
You don't want the soil soggy, well watered and good draining potting soil.
From my research you will need to make sure you have the correct cultivator to grow a Conference Pear in a container.
Please read the links below with more information with watering and growing care needed.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/how-to-water-a-plant.htm
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/pears
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/bareroot-planting.htm
Do I need 2 trees to bear fruit?
Pear trees vary in whether they are self-pollinating or require a second variety for cross-pollination. "Unless you purchase a tree with two compatible varieties grafted onto a single rootstock, you will need to plant two different, compatible types of pear in order to obtain any fruit. Check with the nursery where you purchased your tree or your local extension office to ensure that the trees you select can pollinate each other."
I have an orange dust like illness collecting in place on the branches of the non-fruit bearing pear tree. Can you please help me with this? Thank you!
This is most probably pear rust. This article may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/pear-rust-mite-damage.htm
Bought a pear tree this spring about 6 feet tall. Planted and all seemed fine, then the leaves and stems all turned black. Thought tree was dead but then leaves started at bottom of tree and now they're are turning black also. Could you please tell what's wrong with my tree or how do I fix the problem? Thanking you in advance.
Proper watering of a newly planted tree is very important. Daily watering for the first 2 weeks.
Do the branches snap off or do they bend? If they snap off the tree has likely died.
The shoots growing from the base of the tree are growing from the root stock. What type of tree that was used in likely not a Pear tree.
Here is a few links.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/growing-pear-trees.htm
Is 30 ft too far a distance to plant my pear trees? I want to be sure that I don't space the 2 trees too far apart for proper cross pollination.
Dwarf Pear trees can be planted as far apart as 200 feet and as close as 15 feet.
Full size Pear trees should be planted at least 20 feet apart and no more than 200 feet.
My 8 ft pear tree seems to have died. But many sprouts are appearing at the base of the tree, from the ground. What do I do? Live in northwestern Pennsylvania, not sure of the zone.
I'm sorry you lost your Pear Tree.
I do know that the long harsh winter that most of the United States suffered effected gardens quite a bit.
Tree loss has been a common complaint here at Gardening Know How. Branches that snap are dead but if they bend there is still a possiblity the tree is alive.
The shoots growing at the base are likely growing from the root stock as most Pear Trees sold for home gardens are from grafted stock.
The shoots will not grow into another Pear tree.
I would dig up the root and remove.
Remember that garden loss makes for new opportunities.
Squirrels have cleared my pear and apple trees of unripe fruit. They are now eating the green tomatoes and my peaches. I purchased hot pepper wax spray concentrate and I sprayed before they started feeding and again after the rains, and each time I found them eating. No help. I read where you could buy some product with fox/coyote urine and sprinkle it but was afraid that may also draw some of them in. Neighbor's cats would be in danger. I live in a subdivision close to town. Suggestions?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/get-rid-squirrels.htm