Edges of leaves turning brown on dwarf pear tree

12 years ago

Hi everyone

I planted a dwarf pear tree about 3-4 months ago here in KY and today I noticed that a lot of the leaves are turning brown. A lot of the browning is taking places on the edges but I suppose it is working its way inwards because a few of the leaves are all brown.

The tree is planted in fairly heavy clay which I have read isnt the best but a neighbor does have the same tree and it is doing well and producing lots of fruit.

Until recently we have been experiencing pretty intense heat and very little rainfall. I did water it a couple of times with just yesterday being one of them. I noticed that the leaves were drooping and today they are perky but brown. I honestly dont know how long it has been that way because I just noticed it about 10 minutes ago.

I have spotted quite a few Saddleback Caterpillars on the tree but I dont know if that has anything to do with it or not.

Any ideas on what normally causes browning of the leaves? The brown parts are also dead and crisp btw.

Thanks everyone

Comments (2)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
the planting was a tad late.. and it does not have the roots to hold on to 'perfect' leaves ... especially int eh heatwave

wait until it dries.. water as you will then go dig a small hole ... and see if you are actually getting any water down into the root zone.. where the tree needs it ...

if it sopping wet 6 to 12 inches deep.. then stop watering completely.. until it dries at depth .. a potential problem in clay ...

all that said.. just admit to yourself that it is september.. and from now until October ... its all down hill ... and the leaves are going to get worse and worse looking ... until they fall off the tree ...

personally i am not concerned about bugs this time of year.. they will all be dead in a month or so ..

ken
wilsocn
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the input, Ken. I have wondered before if its getting the water it needs in the right places. I try and water it well but the clay is like concrete when it dies out on top. I haven't really seen any signs of new growth either aside from a couple of suckers (not sure if that is the correct term) on the base of the tree. Hopefully it takes off next Spring.
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