Is yellowing a sign of fire blight?

No, fire blight typically causes leaves to turn black or brown and look scorched. Yellowing is usually related to soil or water issues.

Can I fertilize to fix yellow leaves?

Only if you have confirmed a nutrient deficiency. Fertilizing a stressed tree can sometimes make the problem worse.

Callery pear: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
Check the leaf veins to see if they are still green.
Examine the base of the trunk for signs of rot.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may drop prematurely if the roots are sitting in water. The soil will feel soggy or swampy for days after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. If the area stays wet, consider installing a drain or mounding the soil to improve runoff.
Iron chlorosis
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This happens when the soil pH is too high for the tree to absorb iron.
What to do: Test your soil pH and aim for a range of 6.0 to 7.0. Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil if the pH is too high.

Yellow 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.

When to worry

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole tree. It is normal for a few interior leaves to yellow and drop in late summer as the tree ages.

Stopping it coming back

Plant the tree in well draining soil and avoid overwatering. Test your soil before planting to ensure the pH is appropriate for a pear tree.

Callery pear: yellow 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is yellowing a sign of fire blight?: No, fire blight typically causes leaves to turn black or brown and look scorched. Yellowing is usually related to soil or water issues.
Can I fertilize to fix yellow leaves?: Only if you have confirmed a nutrient deficiency. Fertilizing a stressed tree can sometimes make the problem worse.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Callery pear leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your callery pear?