Knowledgebase
Pear harvest/pruning #772673
Asked September 22, 2021, 11:58 AM EDT
Shelby County Ohio
Expert Response
Helen
Congratulations on getting fruit!
Fruit dropping is not always indicative of when they are ready to pick. But knowing when to harvest pears can be tricky.
If you wait for pears to totally ripen on the tree, they often can be over-ripe and not store well. Instead, grasp the pears and pull upwards with a slight twist. If they pull off easily, harvest them. Store the pears in a cold place. Pull individuals out and store at room temperature (can take 3-5 days) to allow to ripen.
Other signs when pears are ready to harvest: (1) dark skin color turns lighter green/yellowish green; skin feels waxy and smooth.
Remember to handle pears carefully. They damage easily and damaged pears don't store well.
Damaged fruit that is not ripe can be cut up and made into a lovely pear jelly; even unripe fruit.
Storage in a refrigerator is not ideal. I think you will find the following reference helpful: Picking and Storing Apples and Pears (oregonstate.edu)
Here are some resources about pruning pears:
Pruning Mature Apples and Pears, HYG-1150-93.pdf
Pruning & Training Apple & Pear Trees | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu)
All the best, Roxanne