Pear Trees Producing Only Tiny Fruit: Graft Failure

Two mature pear trees bloom heavily but fruit stops growing at cherry size, worsening each year and spreading to the second tree. Melissa diagnoses graft failure—the edible scion is dying, leaving the unfruitful rootstock (likely Bradford pear) to dominate.

Signs of Rootstock Takeover

• Split trunk or a distinct bend near the base (up to 5 ft high).
• Growth originating below the graft union.

Options

Regrafting is expensive, difficult on large trunks, and uncertain. Best choices: enjoy as ornamental fruitless pears, or replace the trees. Do not fertilize—excess nitrogen increases fire blight risk.