Is this a bacteria affecting my Pear tree?

[GardenNoobx2]

Hello,

Hope everyone is well and safe. I started living in a house with a Pear tree and it seems to these dark marks on some leaves. I am concerned if the tree has gotten sick or bacteria, and I am scared it is fire blight. Could anyone here help me see what it might be and what i should do to save it.

 

[oneeye]

The first photo looks like fire blight but its still too early to tell for sure. The 2nd photo looks like a over watering issue. With that being said, could you post a photo of the whole tree and a photo of the trunk going in the ground?

 

[GardenNoobx2]

The first photo looks like fire blight but its still too early to tell for sure. The 2nd photo looks like a over watering issue. With that being said, could you post a photo of the whole tree and a photo of the trunk going in the ground?

let me know if these pictures help

 

[Chuck]

let me know if these pictures help

I see no evidence of fireblight. However, I do see signs of nutritional deficits. Whether these are macro or micro nutrient deficiencies it is too early to tell for sure. But, to cover all bases I would fertilize and then I would apply liquid humate to add needed trace minerals. But the most important thing, and most likely why the tree is in distress, is that it is planted too deep and has been for years. The root flare of any tree MUST be exposed or these types of problems will inevitably arise and will in time prove fatal to the tree. Google "root flare pear tree images" to see what a root flare is and looks like and study about them.

 

[GardenNoobx2]

I see no evidence of fireblight. However, I do see signs of nutritional deficits. Whether these are macro or micro nutrient deficiencies it is too early to tell for sure. But, to cover all bases I would fertilize and then I would apply liquid humate to add needed trace minerals. But the most important thing, and most likely why the tree is in distress, is that it is planted too deep and has been for years. The root flare of any tree MUST be exposed or these types of problems will inevitably arise and will in time prove fatal to the tree. Google "root flare pear tree images" to see what a root flare is and looks like and study about them.

Thanks For the input. Wondering from the last 4 pictures of the leaves, how can you tell the difference btw fire blight to nutrition deficit?

I will definitely look up root flare. Thanks!

 

[oneeye]

You have sunscald damage on the trunk.

 

[Chuck]

Thanks For the input. Wondering from the last 4 pictures of the leaves, how can you tell the difference btw fire blight to nutrition deficit?

I will definitely look up root flare. Thanks!

It is not only from the last pictures. It is from the others as well. Very light green leaves turning to yellow with no spots. Those dark brown areas on the leaves is from a fungus and the fungus is caused by a weakening of the tree due to the root flare that started the fungus attacking the weakest of the leaves. With fire blight there is no black or brown streaks on the leaves. With fire blight the entire leaf margin turns brown or black. Also, with fire blight the tips of the limbs with the affected leaves will look like charcoal. In my estimation, the next thing you will see is bacterial canker/gummosis. All you can do at this point is to help the tree regain its strength by feeding it. IMO applying anti-bacterial chemicals to the tree now will only make matters worse. What I would do is spray the tree with horticultural cornmeal tea. Also sprinkle a bunch of the horticultral cornmeal around the base and out to the drip line. I would do both of these things numerous times, at least once per week until the problems go away. But the main thing right now is to expose the root flare.

 

[GardenNoobx2]

Hey Both,

Thanks for the info.

To summarize, please let me know if I got anything incorrect or disagree with and if anything more I should do.

Sunscald - Should I wrap my tree at night as it gets cold?
Root flare - I should be able to unearth some soil to relieve this correct?
Spraying horticultural cornmeal tea all over the tree and spreading cornmeal around the base.
What else could I feed the tree. I gave it some miracle grow all purpose food 2 weeks ago.

And it is not Not Fire blight?

Again thanks all. I just moved and love this tree, so would love to save it!

 

[Chuck]

Hey Both,

Thanks for the info.

To summarize, please let me know if I got anything incorrect or disagree with and if anything more I should do.

Sunscald - Should I wrap my tree at night as it gets cold?
Root flare - I should be able to unearth some soil to relieve this correct?
Spraying horticultural cornmeal tea all over the tree and spreading cornmeal around the base.
What else could I feed the tree. I gave it some miracle grow all purpose food 2 weeks ago.

And it is not Not Fire blight?

Again thanks all. I just moved and love this tree, so would love to save it!

I disagree on the sunscald. I only see cracked and falling bark caused by the root flare. But even if it was sunscald wrapping it wouldn't do anything. Once you remove the soil from around the base of the tree, send pictures. I want to see if trunk rot has begun. And please, don't feed the tree with miracle grow. Feed it with a good organic fertilizer. And no, I don't believe it is fireblight. I have seen a lot of pear trees with fire blight and they didn't look like yours. Pear trees, under optimal condiditons, can live for about 50 years. Yours has not been growing in anything even close to optimum conditions. I don't know how old the tree is but its lifespan has been greatly reduced by the root flare being covered. Where do you live? This could help in determining what fungal problems the tree has.

 

[GardenNoobx2]

Thanks Chuck,

I live in South San Francisco in California - it gets chilly and windy at night and warm in the day. Any Fertilizers you recomment?

 

[Chuck]

Thanks Chuck,

I live in South San Francisco in California - it gets chilly and windy at night and warm in the day. Any Fertilizers you recomment?

The following list are the ones I know are distributed nationally but any that has OMRI on the bag will be fine. Use the granular form.
Jobes
Dr. Earth
Espoma

 

[GardenNoobx2]

I tried to dig up ... so far looks like this. Might need to clear more dirt

 

[Chuck]

I tried to dig up ... so far looks like this. Might need to clear more dirt

That looks a lot better but be sure to go completely around the tree. I see no signs of trunk rot.