Scorched Pear Trees?

Photo from: http://wrir4.ucdavis.edu/

If twigs on your pear or apple trees look burned or scorched, chances are the trees are suffering from a fungal disease known as fire blight.

Fire blight is a difficult to control fungal disease that popped up in more trees than normal this year because of above average rainfall this spring and summer. The best way to get rid of fire blight is through very careful pruning. (In the case of large infestations, where large portions of the tree are infected, control through pruning may not be possible.)

You will have to sterilize pruning equipment between every cut with a 10% bleach or 25% alcohol solution. Make your pruning cut 10 to 12 inches below the discolored area of the branch. Because the bacteria are so easily transmitted, care should be taken in disposing of infected plant material. Either burn or discard in the trash. Do not leave infected material where the bacteria might be spread to surrounding bushes or trees.