Pear tree problems

Question: Hello,
I am a property manager and one of my properties in West Bloomfield has several pear trees that appear to have some type of disease. Can you help me identify the problem and how to treat them.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 17, 2023, 3:34 PM EDT
response: Hello David The pictures came out a little blurry. What would help is a clear picture of the trunk on the tree that has some dead limbs, showing where the trunk enters the soil- and any damaged areas on the bark. Also, if you see leaves that are showing disease or pests, please lay several out on a plain sheet of paper, some face up, some face down, as flat as possible. Then take a picture in good light.  An alternative is to have an ‘assistant’ hold a plain sheet of paper or cardboard behind a symptomatic limb and take a clear picture.  History of the trees is helpful too-  how much water they receive each week? any herbicides sprayed on the lawn this spring?  how long have the trees been planted?  Thank you for any additional info you can provide- I will watch for your reply.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 5:13 PM EDT
response: This tree was planted roughly 2010. The only water these trees receive is when it rains. The soil at this community is heavy clay. These trees have never been sprayed with any type of herbicide.   I hope these pictures are better    Thank you David   Sent from my iPhone  On May 17, 2023, at 3:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿ CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied May 17, 2023, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you, these are great. i am forwarding to an ornamental tree specialist now. Regards, Laura S.

responder: V/r,  Replied May 18, 2023, 7:04 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It looks like it could be Fire Blight. Fire blight is a common problem of many pear species where the ends of twigs and leaves (and fruit, in fruit-producing trees) become blackened as the disease progresses further down the branches. I suggest having an arborist come out and assess the trees since you mentioned several trees are affected. They will give you the best way to treat You can find an arborist here. TreesAreGood.org   You can also send in a sample to diagnose the problem. The MSU Extension’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab can make a more thorough diagnosis and recommend management of the tree. To learn how to send a sample, go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/  Bradford Pear | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu) Fire blight - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.