Pear trees are commercially available as a bush form, half-stem or standard. When choosing the right growth form, not only the size of the garden but also the ease of care plays an important role.

The different growth forms

  • bush shape
  • low stem
  • half stem
  • standard

Difference between half-stem and high-stem

The difference between the growth forms is the length of the trunk. It is measured from the tree disc to the base of the crown.

The gardener speaks of a half-stem tree when the crown starts at a height of 1.00 to 1.60 meters. In contrast, the crown base of high-stem varieties is at least 1.80 meters.

Particularly low half-stem breeds are referred to as low-stem. Here the crown starts from 80 centimeters.

The advantages of the half trunk

Hobby gardeners like to plant half-stem pear trees in medium-sized gardens. The trees do not need as much space as standard trees. This makes it easy to plant two trees so that the pears can pollinate each other.

The crown of the half-stem does not become so expansive. It can be reached without a ladder if you want to cut the pear tree or if you want to prick it with vegetable decoction to prevent diseases.

Harvesting the fruit can also be done from the ground without the need for a fruit picker.

Easy care of the tree disc

You should provide a mulch cover on the tree grate of a half trunk. If you can't get pest-free mulch material, sow dandelion or mustard seed on it.

In contrast to bushy forms, there is enough space under the half trunk for a lawnmower to fit underneath. So you can easily care for such a pear tree on a lawn.

Disadvantage of half-stem trees

A half-stem pear tree has a major disadvantage compared to standard trees.

In the case of fungal infestation, the entire tree often has to be felled. In the case of a standard tree, infested areas can be cut out without damaging the tree too much.

Half-stem and low-stem trees do not get such thick branches and trunks that the diseased parts of the tree can be removed easily. In the worst case, the pear tree has to be felled.

tips and tricks

Choose half-stem pear trees if you want to create a meadow orchard. You can mow the grass well and tree care is easier than with bushy forms or standard trees.

Category:

Trees