Asian Pear Tree - Lots of blossom - hardly any leaves

[Shimozu]

Hello everyone

I'm very new to growing fruit trees and I planted my very first tree last winter. It is a Shinseiki pear tree - maybe 2 years old. It has emerged from dormancy and has lots of blossom but no leaves on the branches (only a few around the blossom). I'm a little concerned about this. Is it usual for trees to produce flowers before leaves? Will the leaves grow later or is there something wrong with the tree? The growth of blossom tells me that the tree is alive but the lack of leaves on the branches is worrying me. I am watering the tree twice a week with about 5litres of water each time and have it supported with a stake as recommended.

Any information would be helpful.

Many thanks

Rob

[WendyC]

Different trees do different things but I'm sure leaves will be along soon. I would be tempted to water once a week, if it needs it, with a good watering can full. 5 litres will barely wet the surface and encourage surface rooting rather than deep roots which is what you want. Can you add your location to your profile as this may be relevant to questions you have? Is the tree in the ground or in a pot?

[unclefudgly]

Hi Rob, you should also check if your variety is self fertile, or needs another pear nearby? Even if it is self fertile, you will get much better crops apparently if you have another asian pear to cross pollinate. Cheers

[Shimozu]

Different trees do different things but I'm sure leaves will be along soon. I would be tempted to water once a week, if it needs it, with a good watering can full. 5 litres will barely wet the surface and encourage surface rooting rather than deep roots which is what you want. Can you add your location to your profile as this may be relevant to questions you have? Is the tree in the ground or in a pot?

Hi WendyC

The tree arrived as bare root and I planted it in the ground in December. I've been using a 5litre watering can and have been watering twice a week as I have read that giving too much water could actually cause problems. How much water would you suggest that I provide the tree each week considering that it is a tree young tree (about 4 1/2 feet in height at the moment)?

I live in the West Midlands (Birmingham).

On a side note, I cant seem to update my profile as I keep getting an 'insufficient permissions' message when I try.

[veggiechicken]

I live in the West Midlands (Birmingham).

On a side note, I cant seem to update my profile as I keep getting an 'insufficient permissions' message when I try.

Hi and welcome.
Just keep posting and "permission" will be granted Some new members can add their location immediately, others can't. Noting personal I assure you

[WendyC]

Impossible to suggest an amount of water as it depending on your soil type and local weather conditions. I just think a good drench once a week is better than a small amount more frequently.