Black spots on leaves of patio pear tree

[clivec]

Wise or not I took up the offer of a 'free' patio pear tree from T & M - just pay for postage!

It arrived two days ago and on opening the box found a number of the leaves had black marks. I contacted T & M and sent them two photographs ( I hope at least one will attach to this message).

The response I have received is that they consider this to be damage in transit - and if I remove the leaves the plant will be fine.

Discounting for the moment any argument about sending goods not fit for purpose just what are these black marks? Can I simply do as they suggest? I hate throwing plants away if they will recover. My worry is that I have a number of new apple trees on the other side of our garden.

Clive C

[WendyC]

Someone else was asking about black marks on pear leaves the other day but they do look different to yours. I would agree that yours look like damage to the leaf buds before they opened, and of course as the leaves grow the damage becomes more apparent. Overall I think the tree looks very healthy.

[fishpond]

Looks like Pear Scab, possibly because the tree is under stress.
Looking at the size of the pot its in, it is under stress.
Needs planting in good soil, feeding, watering and mulching.
Might not go away this year (shouldn't get much worse once its planted), you may want to try Dithane

[Nicos]

I'd be tempted to email T&M with a picture and ask them what it is and does it need replacing.

Then at least they are aware and can advise/replace accordingly.

They often just send out replacements as returns are too much of a faff- and you may well end up with 2 trees- both healthy.
No harm at all in asking their experts

Oh- and how rude of me....

A very warm welcome to the Vine!

[FB.]

It's probably just a bit water-stressed from its journey. The tree will be fine if you look after it correctly - in fact it looks fine as it is. No need to remove the blemished leaves (although they will remain blemished until they fall off). No need to ask for replacement.

I expect once the pests and diseases find you tree in the future, you'll wish the blotched and tatty leaves were 'only' as bad as the day you received it.
Once your local aphids, caterpillars, scab and canker find it is when the real fun and challenge begins.........

[clivec]

Thanks

Thanks to all of you who have replied.

If it wasn't clear the first thing I did was contact T & M by phone offering to send a picture by email, which then followed. Even though it was a 'freebie offer' I was concerned that a plant sent by fast courier (arrived second day after despatch) should arrive in such a condition. I was however more worried that it might be something like 'fireblight' which was the only thing like it that I could find a picture of, as I have some newish apple/plum trees.

T & M phoned back the same afternoon but the 'they think its damage caused in transit, just cut off the leaves and it'll be all right' left me worried. If they had at least tried to explain it as some of you have I would have felt happier.

So it can now join a Plum which came from a garden centre clear out/reduced/looks hopeless display that reacted positively and quickly to some care and a good site.

[Church76]

I ordered. Blueberry plant that was on offer a few months ago when they came they were half dead sent two emails to TM never heared anything back

[fishpond]

Looks like Pear Scab, possibly because the tree is under stress.
Looking at the size of the pot its in, it is under stress.
Needs planting in good soil, feeding, watering and mulching.
Might not go away this year (shouldn't get much worse once its planted), you may want to try Dithane

Forget the Dithane for the moment, you may not need it.

[ioan]

Hi
Not to bad a tree all told.
reg
ioan

[clivec]

Dealing with T & M

I ordered. Blueberry plant that was on offer a few months ago when they came they were half dead sent two emails to TM never heared anything back

The first thing I did was phone T & M customer services. Held on for 15 minutes that night and eventually gave up. Did the same thing the next morning and after another 15 minutes someone answered. I was told my query would have to be forwarded and it may take a couple of days to get an answer. I offered to email them two pictures and the agent gave me her email address. Better than her word she phoned back that afternoon with the answer - which does seem to have worked.

I'm not enamoured with them sending out poor plants but this approach may help someone out there. If its a serious issue log it with them by phone as soon as possible and take a photo which can be emailed and/or used with a letter.

Clive C.