Pear Tree Guide

Despatch & Planting of the Pear Tree

We despatch all year round, usually within 3-5 working days of receipt. Trees are supplied bare-root Autumn-Spring and in containers/ex container from late Spring to Autumn.

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Compact Quince ‘C’ stock

Generally considered the smallest stock for Pears and the best choice for larger containers or smaller gardens. Height 8’ and with a similar spread, so plant 8’ apart.Crops 2-3 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 25-40ibs with a required area of 84×84” approx [less if grown in a container]

More Vigorous Quince ‘A’ stock of Pear Trees

Would be considered a more traditional orchard style tree. Growth more vigorous than Quince A, so expect a tree of between 10-14’ height. Plant 10’ apart minimum. Heavy cropping and more tolerant of poorer soils.

Crops 2-3 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 50-60ibs with a required area of 9×9’ minimum

Vigorous BA29 stock

Only for those requiring a big tree, more vigorous still than Quince A. Good For larger grassy area’s and larger orchard.  Plant 15’ apart.

Crops 3 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 60ibs+ with a required area not less than 15×15’.

A Half Standard Pear Tree

is a tree on the Quince A stock but it is a year older when it comes to you. Conversely this does not necessarily mean it will fruit more quickly because being older it will often receive a bit of a ‘check’ after planting, but it will be a more substantial looking tree on planting and it will already have a trunk clearance.

Crops usually 3 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 50-60ibs with a require area of 9×9’ minimum.

Cordon Pear Trees

Are just ideal for planting against a fence or wall, and can also be grown with a post/wire support system. You only need to allow about 30” between trees so they make good use of a limited space & are heavy cropping considering, and also quite precocious. Easy to prune and maintain, early into crop – often recommended as a better tree than fan/espalier trees for the less experienced as pruning is less involved and the trees need much less space. Cordon trees are supplied on Quince C stock and grow to 6-8’ in height but do not spread. They can be planted the traditional way, at a 45 degree angle, or upright.

Crops 2 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 6-10ibs with a required area of 30×30” approx.

Fan & Espalier Pear Trees

Often sought for wall planting as they grow flat. A fan has an outline rather like a dove tail, whereas an espalier has one main upright stem with laterals produced from it usually in 3 sets up the main trunk. Both have the same application & both need 6-8’ in height and the same spread.  Plant 6-8’ apart.

Crops 2-3 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 15-25ibs approx.

Stepover Pear Tree

Is the very smallest of all trees. It has a very short trunk of barely 18” with two laterals which grow flat at the top, in a shape rather like a capital ‘T’ Stepover trees are usually used for edging a border or lawn, and whilst crops are usually quite light the fruits produced are large and well flavoured because they receive nearly all the available sunlight. A setpover can also be grown against a low wall which would otherwise be too short for a traditional fan or espalier tree – under a window for example. Although very short, stepovers do spread lengthways a bit so allow 5-6’ between trees.

Crops 2 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 3-5ibs with a required area of 18×72”

Supercolumn Pear Trees

Are the most convenient and easy to prune trees for smaller gardens or where an intensive growing system is required. Supercolumns allow for a wide variety to be planted in a small area and have many applications around the garden. Plant just 2’ apart, in a row as free standing trees, or to align a path or walkway. They can be grown in 18” containers, or used against archway or pergola. The growth is upright and slender, the fruits are borne all up the stem. Very easy to maintain and recommended to beginner and more experienced alike. The height is controllable but 6-8’ is usual.

Crops often the first year, or 1-2 years after planting.

Yield Estimate 5-7ibs with a required area of 24×24”.

Cropping time & yield is an estimate and can vary with conditions. Yield estimates based on mature trees.