Drooping Pear Tree

[Gorby]

We planted a pear tree a couple of years ago - last year it was attacked by pear midge, and this year it hasn't produced any blossom but it looks healthy. Yesterday I noticed the tallest branch had drooped right over - is this normal for a pear tree ?

I'm worried it will snap - is there anything I should be doing ?

It's only a young tree - tallest branch was about 6-7ft high.

 

[Nerine]

Could be wind damage. What do the leaves look like?

 

[Gorby]

Hi

The leaves are starting to brown around the edges. It looks a sorry sight.

As I said before it had pear midge last year but then it looked OK and has seemed healthy ever since. Until about a fortnight ago.

Do I need to treat it with anything ?

 

[Nerine]

Pear midge only affects the fruits so I don't thick its that. It could be fireblight or canker. Fireblight symptoms are dark red staining right through the infected stem. Or it could be canker. There might be some websites with photos you can use to compare. Type in pear tree problems and see what comes up.

Cut off the stem anyway, this may prevent any disease going further. You can always make a new leading upright branch by tying up a side shoot with a cane.

 

[Gorby]

OK - thanks for your help Nerine. Will have a look and give it some TLC over the weekend.