Question
Branches are dying. Started last year at end of branches, now this year, more branches look dead. Other limbs seem okay. Can you HELP??

Answer
Dear Frank, the dieback of your pear tree branches is possibly due to fire blight.  It could be borers, but in that case you would see holes circling the branches and sap oozing out.  That would require spraying with a borer spray.  Fire blight is characterized by sudden wilting and blackening of leaves which appear scorched or burnt.  This requires removal of the dead areas, cleaning up and removing dead leaves and other litter and spraying the tree with fire blight spray to prevent further outbreaks.  However, fire blight spray is best at prevention and should be used before symptoms occur.  We have had several bad years of fire blight lately so this may be the problem.  I should note however that pear trees, especially of the orchard trees, are subject to dieback of branches and it doesn't necessarily mean that anything is wrong.  You see this more often on large older trees.  Prune out all the dead limbs, seal with pruning paint, and the tree should look much better for the next several years.  I hope this information helps, but let me know if I didn't address the way your tree appears or if you have more questions.  Good luck, Melissa