Question
We bought a Cleveland Pear about 2 months ago (late August) and planted it immediately in our backyard to serve as a shade tree. The lady who worked at the nursery told us to water it daily for the first two weeks and if we mulched it to not let the mulch get too close to the trunk...which we did. For the past month it seems, the tree's leaves are drooping and now some are turning black and/or dark brown at the edges and falling off. (FYI - We live in Southeast Alabama) I'm scared that there might be something wrong with it but am unsure what to do. The tree is pretty much in full sun in the morning and afternoon hours. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Amanda,  I would turn off the hose.  

The tree is resistant to droughts, which means you do not have to worry about excessively watering it all the time. Over watering the tree could result in its fatality so you want to ensure that upon planting the tree that you adhere to all the growing specifications that comes with it.

I am sure it is cooler also, which means to cut down on watering.  Even here in FL I would water it maybe 3 times a week for one month in the hot season and in the winter here once a week as we can be in the 70 to 80 degree mark during the winter months and I am sure where you are it stays cold.  Also I think I would not add mulch either as that holds water.  Usually black on the tips of the leaves means too much water.  kathy