Question

conference pear   Hi,
I bought this conference pear tree 2 years ago and planted it in the garden.
It was about 2 feet high with a few very small branches when I got it. It has grown quite well as you can see from the photo. I haven't done anything with it since planting,  and wondered should I be pruning it. I don't know anything about pruning a pear tree and so a detailed explanation would be greatly appreciated.

I also wondered if I should be feeding it and if so what with and how?

Thanks for your patience

Phil

Answer
Pruning should be done in the winter months when the tree is dormant. Young trees are pruned to grow a shape. Here is a detail web site link for pruning fruit trees -Apple and pears are done the same. It also incudes pictures of the pruning. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag29.html

Fertilizing
Create a circle of balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 around a newly planted tree when new growth begins. Spread 1/2 cup of fertilizer in a circle 6 inches from the trunk and end the circle 2 feet from the tree. Keeping the fertilizer away from the tree trunk prevents fertilizer burn. Water the fertilizer in after the application. IF you fertilize just before a rain storm you will not need to water.

Fertilize young trees each month using only 1/4 cup of fertilizer throughout the summer growing season until the Fall.

I hope this helps.