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Callery pear · Pyrus calleryana

Why are my Callery pear leaves curling?

Curling leaves on a Callery pear are often a sign of environmental stress or pest activity. Check your tree for aphids or signs of drought first.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Check the soil moisture level 3 inches below the surface.
  3. Look for signs of wilting on the rest of the canopy.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves. The leaves may also look sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.

    What to do: Spray the foliage with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 2 to 3 weeks.

  2. Drought stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward to conserve moisture during hot, dry spells. The soil around the base will feel dry and cracked.

    What to do: Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 14 days. Ensure the water reaches 12 to 18 inches deep to encourage a strong root system.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your callery pear

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or premature leaf drop. Minor curling during the hottest part of the day is usually just the tree managing heat.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree well watered during its first few years to help it handle environmental shifts. Monitor for pests early in the spring before they multiply.

Callery pear: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your callery pear and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will my tree die if the leaves curl?
Usually no, as long as you address the cause quickly. It is a stress response, not a death sentence.
Should I prune off the curled leaves?
No, leave them on the tree. They can still photosynthesize and help the tree recover.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Callery pear

Back to the Callery pear guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.