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Callery pear · Pyrus calleryana

What is eating my Callery pear leaves?

It is less common for pests to cause major damage to a Callery pear, but occasional infestations can happen when the tree is already stressed. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or webbing first.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the new growth for sticky honeydew residue.
  3. Inspect the bark for small bumps or scale.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth and sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the affected branches with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, use an insecticidal soap spray once a week.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, hard bumps on the branches or twigs that do not move.

    What to do: Scrape off the bumps with a soft brush or apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Follow the label instructions for proper dilution.

Pests 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

Small numbers of insects are rarely a threat to a mature tree. Worry if the infestation covers more than 20 percent of the canopy or if the tree shows signs of decline.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and annual pruning to ensure good airflow through the branches.

Callery pear: pests? 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 these pests kill my tree?
Most pests on Callery pears are minor and won't kill a healthy tree. They are mostly a cosmetic nuisance.
Can I use systemic pesticides?
It is better to avoid systemic chemicals. Use targeted treatments like insecticidal soap to protect beneficial insects.

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.