Over time, pear trees can reach huge dimensions of up to 20 meters in height with correspondingly expansive crowns. Such trees are too large for small home gardens. Short-growing varieties have many advantages but also a few disadvantages.
Which types of pear trees are suitable for a small garden?
Small pear trees are ideal for home gardens because they require less space and allow for easier harvesting. Possible growth forms include pear bushes, espalier pear trees and columnar pear trees. Note that the lifespan of small pear trees is shorter than that of large trees.
Small pear trees for home gardens
Almost all pear varieties are available as standard, semi-trunk or small trees. The different growth forms are available at the tree nursery or from the gardener.
If you would like to plant a small pear tree in your home garden, you can choose from the following growth forms:
- Pear bushes
- Espalier pear trees
- Columnar pear trees
An alternative is to prune a tree that you have propagated yourself so that it remains small. You also have to limit the root system.
Benefits of small pear trees
The small trees take up very little space, especially if you plant them as espaliered fruit on the wall of the house or as a columnar tree in a pot.
Several pear trees can be maintained in the garden. This ensures that the trees fertilize each other and produce a rich harvest.
If you want to transplant your pear tree, it is much easier with a small tree. Agricultural equipment must be used for large trees. For small trees, a spade is sufficient.
Quick and easier harvesting
The smaller the pear tree is, the more likely it is to bear fruit. With standard pears, it takes several years for the first fruits to ripen.
Small trees can be harvested without a ladder. You can pick the pears without any tools.
Disadvantages of a small tree
While tall pear trees can live up to 200 years or longer, the lifespan of a small tree is limited. In the best case scenario, it will grow in the garden for a few decades.
If there is disease, for example due to fire rust or tree cancer, you have to cut down the entire tree. Large trees can be saved by cutting out diseased areas. This is not possible with small specimens.
Tips & Tricks
Since you have enough space for several specimens with small pear trees, you can grow summer, autumn and winter pears. This means you can always harvest fresh pears in your own garden from summer to winter.
