Clapp, meet Bartlett :-)
...sweet, aromatic, and ideal for fresh eating, canning, and baking.
Our “Clapp’s Favorite” pear tree made it through its second New England winter! The tree started budding at the beginning of April, but a last-minute cold snap slowed things down temporarily. However, as expected, Spring eventually won out.
Once the temperature went back up, all things pear-y kicked back into gear. Blossoms began to open in earnest, and the leaves have now made their appearance. We expect to have “peak flowering” by the end of the week!
Pear tree flowers are small, white or cream-colored blossoms. The 3- to 4-inch clusters are dense, and they start to open before the leaves. The five-petaled flowers bloom profusely, covering the tree, but we found the scent to be unpleasantly fishy.
Stark Bro’s
Pear trees can take anywhere from three to ten years to bear fruit. Grafted nursery saplings can produce fruit sooner. However, to actually produce fruit, cross-pollination from another pear species is required.
Our RainyDayIntern did some research (by prompting ChatGPT) and decided that a Bartlett Pear tree would be a good companion for the Clapp’s Favorite. He also found that Stark Bro’s was having a Spring sale on exactly what we wanted, and with FREE delivery!
Two weeks later, a long, slim package showed up at the RainyDayMagazine office. We unpacked it immediately, checked its content, and found a healthy, bare-root tree wrapped in plastic.
Bare-root
By definition, bare-root trees are not grown in pots and do not have soil around their roots. Bare-root trees are dormant, soil-free trees sold in winter and early spring. It is a cost-effective, easily transportable option that establishes itself faster than container-grown trees. Bare-root is popular for fruit and shade trees, but they require planting immediately after purchase.
Directions
Stark Bro’s supplied very clear instructions on what to do with the tree when it arrives and how to plant it properly:
- Prepare the roots,
- Dig the planting hole,
- Position, secure, and support the tree,
- Backfill the Hole and water thoroughly.
Planting
- Soak the tree’s roots in water for 1 to 2 hours before planting to rehydrate them.
- Do not soak for more than 24 hours, as this can damage the roots.
- Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the tree’s roots with extra room for growth.
- The hole should be deep enough to allow the tree to sit at its original nursery planting depth.
- Spread out the tree’s roots to encourage outward growth rather than circling.
- Hold the tree straight and vertical (perpendicular to the ground) to ensure proper growth.
- Use tree stakes or support.
- Keep the graft union (the noticeable “bump” on the lower trunk) 2-3 inches above the ground to prevent issues with rootstock growth.
- Refill the hole using native soil removed during digging.
- Avoid excessive soil amendments—trees establish better in their natural environment.
- Gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets without compacting too tightly.
- Water the newly planted tree deeply to help the soil settle around the roots.
FirstThoughts
Our first time buying a tree online from Stark Bro’s was a very pleasant experience. They shipped fast, arrived on time, and the price was so much lower than what was available at our local Home Depot.
We are looking forward to seeing the first sign of growth from our new Bartlett Pear tree. Will have an update later in the Fall 🙂
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