My question for Alys

[Minerva]

We have a very large and probably old pear tree. Every spring, the tree is full of blossom but by early summer, there are only a couple of handfuls of tiny pears most of which then turn black. Do you know what is wrong with the tree and why it does not fruit?

The tree is very tall (as tall as a semi-detached house) and a large cooking apple tree which is full of fruit and a equally large coniferous tree are beside it.

I don't know what type of pear tree it is but I've attached a picture of the leaves if that helps.

Thanks very much for your time!

[Alys Fowler]

Not easy to tell, though I’d take a punt on pear midge. This over winters as a larva in the soil below so one answer is to lightly rake the soil surface in spring and then the birds may come and dine on the larvae. I’d give a good mulch in late autumn, but as its old and it’s very hard to control against pear midge I think you might just have to enjoy the blossom and eat more apple pie.