Baffled Dwarf Pear tree

[Gilberd]

Hello

I have a mini pear tree which is planted on my allotment in a fairly sheltered position for the last couple of months.

It's has however developed a problem with its leaves which have left me completely stumped. I have thoroughly googled it and looked in numerous books but cannot find the problem.

The leaves have gone dark brown/black around the edges of the leaves and curled. No marks in the middle, only at the edges.

I have taken some photos.

Any ideas please?

[Kirk]

Potash shortage cause leaf edge scorch which that might be.

[Gilberd]

Thank you Kirk. I never thought of this and having looked at pictures of leaves with potash shortage on google now it looks exactly the same. I will give it come potash feed tomorrow. So glad I asked!!

[FB.]

Could be fertiliser scorch - too many nutrients and not enough water.

If the soil is over-fertilised the fertilisers draw water out of the plant and the edges of leaves die - starting at the edges, but whole leaves or all the leaves can be killed in severe cases.

The brown bits are dead so they will stay brown until the leaves fall. Anything you do now simply prevents it getting worse.

Without knowing exactly how you've been caring for the tree, I'd just suggest stop feeding and start watering.

[fishpond]

Be careful about applying too much Potash as it may lock up other nutrients needed by the tree.

I agree with
"Without knowing exactly how you've been caring for the tree, I'd just suggest stop feeding and start watering"---without knowing the PH of your tap water, I would try to use rainwater if possible.