Pear tree health

Question: We purchased a pear tree and planted in our Littleton year in April. It was about 6 ft tall and had been doing well up until last week. The leaves are starting to turn yellow, seems too early for fall, and some are curling. We water 2 or 3 times a week. Any advice re watering or fertilizing? Photo attached.

responder: Donnetta Wilhelm Colorado Master Gardener  Replied August 24, 2024, 6:32 PM EDT
response: Tree leaves turn yellow and drop prior to fall dormancy because the tree’s system can’t support the number of leaves. They drop leaves to alleviate stress and water loss. This happens for numerous reasons such as: the tree was planted incorrectly causing oxygen deficiency in the soiltoo much or too little waterpoor soil drainageinsects or diseaseweather: hail, wind, extremely hot temperatures In order to assist you, please provide the following: Photos of the base of the tree in order to see the planting depth and how the tree is being taken care of at the base.Provide how much water is given. 2-3 times a week doesn’t provide information on how much water the tree is getting, for example: 1 gallon of water twice per week, or 3 gallons of water three times per week.Did you plant the tree yourself using proper CSU planting guides or was it planted by a professional? CSU guidelines here:Guide: https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/TreePlanting_636.pdf Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne8HMJXo3yA Have you received hail?Is there any indication of insect or disease on the leaves. If so, please send photo(s).Inspect the trunk: is there any damage?Only the back of the tag is visible; please provide the tree variety. Once you can provide more information, we can better offer a diagnosis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 25, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick and informative response. My answers in CAPS below. And see photos. We did use a root stimulator as well. Our 40 year old honey locust tree is already losing some yellow leaves, so maybe we are seeing an early fall? Thanks,SteveSent from my iPhone On Aug 24, 2024, at 4:32 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 7:50 AM EDT
response: Revision, the watering is more like 5 gal 3 times a week (hose puts out 5 gallons/minute, waters about 1 minute). SteveSent from my iPhone On Aug 25, 2024, at 5:06 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Donnetta Wilhelm Colorado Master Gardener  Replied August 26, 2024, 6:34 PM EDT
response: Your answers in CAPS did not come through, nor did the additional photo of the base of the tree, so I can only assist with the watering issue.  The tree looks like a small caliper, so based on CSU guidelines, proper watering should be: ○ Daily for 2 weeks – Depending on temperature and wind, apply 1-2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter (circumference / 3.14) ○ Every other day for 2 months – Depending on temperature and wind, apply 2-4 gallons per inch of trunk diameter. ○ Starting at week 10, water weekly until established (for one to two or more seasons) applying 2-4 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.  The only way to know the watering needs of non-established trees is to check soil moisture levels, and always checking the root ball for moisture. Sometimes the ground around the tree can be moist, but the root ball can be dry or vice versa. https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/635.pdf  If you want to try to reply again with your answers, please do so (maybe not from your iPhone). Or you can switch to the Arapahoe Master Gardener regular email where your question will go to the help desk. Copy/paste our exchange and photos submitted thus far: <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 12:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Donnetta,Just following up.  I cut back on the watering and the tree looks much better!Thanks for the advice. Steve  On Monday, August 26, 2024, 05:51:12 PM MDT, Steve Lowry wrote:     Hi Donnetta,  Thanks for the response.  The trunk diameter is just over 1 inch. So it looks like we may be overwatering. I'll try to reach out to Arapahoe County.Thanks for the info!Regards, Steve On Monday, August 26, 2024 at 04:34:41 PM MDT, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Donnetta Wilhelm Colorado Master Gardener  Replied September 05, 2024, 3:57 PM EDT
response: I'm glad it's looking better. With newly planted trees, the "big 3" problems we see are incorrect planting, over/under watering, and poor soil drainage causing oxygen starvation to the roots. I'm sorry the photos didn't come through, though.