Care for a Cleveland Pear Tree

The Cleveland pear tree is an ornamental that can brighten up a property. A flowering pear that bears white flowers in the spring, the Cleveland pear has brilliant fall leaf colors that range from red to purple. It bears no fruit and is from the family of Callery pears, bred for landscaping purposes. It is a low-maintenance tree that you can enjoy for many years.

Geography

The Cleveland pear will survive as far to the north as Zone 5 and as far to the south as Zone 8. This species is not hardy enough to take the bitterly frigid winters that places such as North Dakota can dish out. Other spots in the United States that the Cleveland pear is a bad fit for include the northernmost parts of the U.S.--except for the Pacific Northwest--and the southern sections of the Gulf Coast states.

Soil Quality

When choosing the right spot for a Cleveland pear tree, you rarely have to concern yourself with soil quality. Like most of these Callery cultivars, the Cleveland pear will grow in many different kinds of soil. As an ornamental pear that bears no fruit, the Cleveland pear is a good fit for hillsides, driveways and even parking lots. According to TreeHelp.com, the pH level of the soil for ornamental pears can range between 3.7 and 7.

Planting

To plant a Cleveland pear, dig a hole that is twice the diameter and depth of the root ball. Keep the tree in an upright position and keep the very top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Fill in the soil and pat it down all around the tree. Water it thoroughly and wait as long as three of four weeks before fertilizing the tree.

Spacing

When planting multiple Cleveland pears together, keep in mind that the tree can grow to be 30 feet tall and about 15 feet wide. Give them proper spacing so they will not infringe upon each other. While 20 feet between trees is ample, by placing them at least 30 feet apart, you ensure that each individual tree will stand out on its own from a distance. You can place a Cleveland pear in the full sun, but keep in mind that it will grow in partial shade if you have a particular spot on your property in mind that is not completely in the open.

Storm Damage

The Cleveland pear’s main advantage over the Bradford pear is that it is more resistant to storm damage. The angle of the Bradford pear’s branches often causes them to break and come down in thunderstorms and heavy snows. The Cleveland's branches are more compact, which helps it stand strong in heavy wind. You need to worry about losing branches only in extreme weather.