The simple leaves of the pear tree attract little attention, and that's a good thing. Because that speaks for a he althy tree and a rich harvest. Changes, however, are not a good sign except for the autumn colors. Important information at a glance.
What does the pear leaf look like?
Pear leaves emerge in April/May, shortly after flowering. They aregreen, about 5-9 cm long, round-ovoid and slightly pointed. In autumn they turn bright red and fall off. Diseased trees may experience various spots and color changes.
What are the facts about the pear leaf?
A he althy leaf of the pear tree ((Pyrus communis) is rather simple. These are the characteristics:
- Leaves are arranged alternately
- Leaf consists of stem and blade (leaf surface)
- Spread is simple, undivided, usually about 5-9 cm long
- Leaf surface is green and shiny leathery
- the shape varies depending on the variety
- is rounded, uniform, lanceolate or elliptical
- the end of the leaf is tapered to pointed
- Leaf edge can be smooth, serrated or notched
In the bud stage, pear leaves are curled on both sides. The tree is deciduous and sheds its leaves in autumn. Before this, the foliage takes on a reddish color.
When do pear trees sprout?
Pear trees, which belong to the rose family (Rosaceae), sprout shortlyafter the flowering period, sometimes almost at the same time. Depending on the weather, the time when the leaves emerge in Europe is sometime betweenApril and May.
Why do pear leaves often get spots?
Pear trees can suffer from pests or fungal infestations or have bacterial diseases. Leaf spots often occur. Two examples:
- Pear pox mites cause red spots
- Pear grid shows yellow-orange spots / (rust spots):
If leaves get brown spots and then completely brown leaves that dry up, the tree is most likely suffering from a lack of water or voles have eaten its roots.
What do curled leaves mean?
The curl disease on the pear tree indicates an infestation with the pear leaf sucker or the mealy pear aphid. The leaves usually curl up too.
Tip
When pear shoot tips bear black leaves, fire blight rages
Most pear varieties are susceptible to fire blight. This is a dangerous bacterial disease that spreads like an epidemic and sooner or later causes affected trees to die. Black leaves on the tips of the shoots that look burned are the typical symptom. You must report this disease and, depending on the case, cut it back or clear it.
