How does the pollen get from one Asian pear tree to the other, by the wind? I have never seen a bee visit any of my Asian pear tree blossoms, while I see dozens of them on my nectarine trees. I have been trying to hand pollinate them using a brush but I think I spread fireblight doing that that killed my Hosui, so am not doing it anymore. The year I didn't hand pollinate I didn't get any fruit, maybe just a coincidence? I had a Shinseki, 20th Century, and the Hosui that died. The Hosui was the best producer, making full size fruit. The Shinseki and 20Th century make tiny fruit that ants usually eat their way into from the stem end, ruining the fruit. I bought these trees from a nursery that has a no return policy so I am stuck with them.

I have two old pear trees that I believe are Anjou. The taste is great - IF you pick them before they ripen on the tree. Anjous will go brown and mushy in the center if left on the tree to ripen. If you gently twist the fruit and it comes off, it's ready. Pick them the second they start to go from green to yellow and allow to ripen in the house - but not in fridge. Eat when still very firm. I've had LOTS of pears dropping off the tree for at least two weeks now. Maybe the hot summer has helped them ripen early this year.

I've had a dwarf "Starking Hardy Giant" for about 10 years. It is pollinated with a bartlett, seems to be pretty much disease free, and is relatively free of bug damage, especially when compared to the rest of my fruit trees. It is about 10 feet tall, but I keep it at that height by topping it when I prune. Last year was the first year we didn't get fruit due to the late, hard, freeze. They are very good eating and keep very well. Get several varaties with different ripen dates to extend the harvest and provide pollination for each other. I don't think I'd plant standard size trees. Why create a future height problem when you don't need to. Paul

I'm in need of some pear graft scion wood, preferably "Orient" or "Ayers" pear (not to be confused with Asian pear varieties) but will consider others. I have "Moonglow" and "Warren" I can offer in exchange, or incarnata passion vines if you'd prefer that instead. Thanks!