Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the branches for scorched or wilted tips.
- Check the soil moisture to see if the tree is dehydrated.
- Look for signs of pests or fungal growth on the bark.
Likely causes
Fire Blight
PossibleHow to tell: Branches look scorched, wilted, and may have a shepherd's crook shape at the tips. Leaves turn brown or black and drop off.
What to do: Prune out affected branches at least 8 to 12 inches below the visible damage. Sterilize your pruning shears with alcohol between every single cut to prevent spreading the bacteria.
Severe Drought
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn brown at the edges before dropping. The soil feels bone dry and cracked.
What to do: Water the tree deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture in the soil.
Find out what's wrong with your 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
Leaf drop is normal in late autumn as the tree goes dormant. It is serious if leaves drop during the active growing season in spring or summer.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree healthy with consistent watering during dry spells. Prune regularly to maintain good airflow and remove any diseased wood promptly.
Keep your pear healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Is leaf drop always a sign of disease?
- Not always, as extreme heat or lack of water can cause a tree to drop leaves to protect itself. Check the soil and branches to rule out disease first.
- Will my tree recover after fire blight?
- If you catch it early and prune correctly, the tree can recover. Keep a close eye on it throughout the season for any new signs of infection.
More problems with Pear
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.