Sandy soils are best, but garden trees can be grown in clay or heavy clay loam soils in most parts of Texas. Iron deficiency and chlorosis and cotton root rot can be serious problems on highly alkaline soils. Iron chlorosis can be treated with soil applications of iron chelate. Cotton root rot, if present in the soil, may kill trees. There is no effective treatment to eliminate this soil problem.
Plentiful sunlight is a key factor for maximum fruit production.
Choose an area of the yard in full sun or nearly full sun. Morning sunshine is particularly important for the early drying of dew, thereby reducing the incidence of disease. Pears bloom early and blossoms are subject to spring freeze damage which occurs most often on pears planted in low areas like valleys and along streams. Purchasing Trees Use only recommended varieties obtained from a reliable source. Large trees are often less desirable than smaller trees because larger trees usually lose a greater portion of the root system when dug from the nursery.