Diseased pear tree - Ask Extension
I started work at a small garden a couple weeks ago and one of the pear trees has a large dead portion. It had darkened tips, dried shiveled portions...
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Diseased pear tree #864994
Asked April 18, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
I started work at a small garden a couple weeks ago and one of the pear trees has a large dead portion. It had darkened tips, dried shiveled portions and cracked bark. I was wondering if this is fire blight?
Berrien County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Jess,
That second picture looks like nectria canker. This is a fungal disease that typically infects already weakened tissue. I would prune out these damaged areas, but not too concerning! https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/nectria_twig_blight
The dead branch with peeled back bark is a bit more concerning, it may be insect damage.
I would prune out any sections of the tree with deadened tissue and give the tree a fresh start!
Good luck,
