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Callery pear · Pyrus calleryana

Why are there spots on my Callery pear leaves?

Seeing spots on your Callery pear is common, especially during humid or wet springs. This usually points to a fungal issue like leaf spot or a bacterial problem like the more serious fire blight. Check the shape and location of the spots first to determine the cause.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the branches for scorched, blackened tips.
  2. Look for amber ooze on the bark or stems.
  3. Check if the spots are appearing after a period of heavy rain.

Likely causes

  1. Fire Blight

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves and twigs look scorched or blackened as if touched by fire. You might also see small droplets of amber ooze on the bark.

    What to do: Prune out infected branches immediately, cutting at least 8 to 12 inches below the visible damage. Sterilize your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol between every single cut to prevent spreading the bacteria.

  2. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small circular brown or black spots appear on the leaves during wet weather. The leaves may eventually yellow and fall off prematurely.

    What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves under the tree to remove fungal spores. Avoid overhead watering that keeps the foliage wet for long periods.

Leaf spots 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

If you see scorched branches or oozing, act immediately as fire blight can kill the entire tree. Small cosmetic spots are usually just a seasonal nuisance.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper spacing and avoid overhead irrigation to keep leaves dry.

Callery pear: spots? 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 from leaf spots?
Usually no, fungal leaf spots are mostly cosmetic. Fire blight is the real threat that requires quick action.
Can I spray the tree to stop the spots?
Fungicides are rarely effective once symptoms appear. Focus on sanitation and pruning instead.

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.