Three years ago my gardener over pruned this tree, it struggled to recover and never produced fruit like it used to. I have been noticing a lot of branches dying and the bark doesn’t look right either. I’m not sure about that ring around the base of the tree either. It’s looking like this tree is done? Any thoughts appreciated
by kristofour
6 Comments
You need to wrap it in cardboard. Cardboard is made from trees, so it will make more tree when it gets wet.
The odd bark at the base is because the tree is grafted and has two trees fused together which creates the difference in bark texture
Oh I should mention it’s a pear tree.
Never let hired gardeners touch your fruit trees.
First off, fire your gardener. They butchered what could have been an excellent fruit tree.
Most of the growth visible is all water sprouts (upright growth coming from mid-branch). Now, pears and apples are prone to water sprouts, but this is a result of bad pruning.
I see a lot of competition from grass and weeds. The base of the tree should be clear of grass, preferably out to the ends of the branches. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to keep the grass from coming back.
I see what looks like a palm tree, of all things, in the background. Where are you? Do pears normally grow in your climate? If so, maybe contact your state’s Cooperative Extension Service and get some publications on growing fruit trees in your state.
FYI when a fruit tree is over pruned, it means you must do years of follow up pruning to establish good structure out of the new growth. It appears that you have not done that at all and you should if you want it to be a productive healthy tree again.