Reasons to Grow a Pear Tree
5th Jan 2026
When it comes to choosing a fruit trees to plant most of the time apples will steal the spotlight. Most of us will think of Granny Smith before Sweet William. But if you’ve never grown a pear tree before, you’re overlooking one of the most best looking, easy to grow, and downright delicious fruit trees you can plant in your garden.
Pear trees have of course been popular with gardeners and fruit growers for decades if not hundreds of years (we’ve got the Romans to thank for that apparently) and for very good reasons. Pears really are a lovely fruit. From the crisp, juicy sweetness of Conference to the rich, buttery flesh of Doyenné du Comice, all varieties of pear offer something special.
You really shouldn’t need any persuading to plant and grow a pear tree but, if you do need a bit of a nudge, here’s ten very convincing (even if I do say so myself) reasons why you should plant a pear tree. Right now.
1. Perfectly Suited to the Climate
Pear trees thrive in our climate. The long, cool summers and damp autumns suit them perfectly, and traditional varieties like the Conference have been grown here for so many years. Conference pears are famous for cropping well even in less-than-ideal weather (which of course we are well used to), which makes them a great choice for gardeners who don’t want to worry too much about microclimates. If you’ve ever struggled with “fussy” fruit trees, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how well pears will grow in your garden.
2. Compact and Space-Saving
Don’t think you need an orchard or massive garden to grow a pear tree. With modern dwarfing rootstocks, even the smallest garden can be home to a pear tree or two. A Conference or Comice can be grown as a free-standing tree in a small lawn, or trained neatly against a wall or fence as an espalier or fan. This is a space-saving method that will also look amazing in your garden. Pear trees will naturally grow in a more upright, narrow shape than apples, so they take up less lateral space. That makes them ideal for urban gardens, courtyards, or for anyone who only has a minimum space for their growing.
3. Delicious Fruit You Can’t Buy in Shops
We’ve all been there. We’ve got to the supermarket to buy pears but they are always a disappointment. They will be either rock-hard or grainy and tasteless. That’s because those pesky supermarkets pick their fruit early for storage and transport. They don’t wait until they are ripe and flavoursome. Growing your own fruit changes everything. You’re in control here. Homegrown pears can be picked at just the right time and ripened naturally, giving you that melt-in-the-mouth sweetness they’re meant to have. A ripe pear, eaten straight from your garden, is juicy, aromatic, and nothing like its supermarket counterpart. Once you’ve tried your own fruit, you’ll never look at pears the same way again. And certainly won’t buy them from supermarkets.
4. Spring Blossom
Pears trees aren’t just about pears. I know that sounds daft but hear me out. They can look spectacular in early spring, when they burst into clouds of pure white blossom. It’s a stunning sight that rivals cherries for the impact they have in your garden. A pear tree in bloom looks amazing and it’s a spectacle you’ll look forward to every year.
5. Reliable Crops Every Year
One of the great things about pear trees is their reliability. Once they’re established, they will produce a decent crop every year for decades. A mature Conference tree is famous for its heavy yields, often producing more fruit than a family can eat in one season. The good news is pears store well and can be preserved in many different ways so you won’t waste any fruit. With proper care, you’ll never be short of pears to enjoy fresh, bottled, or cooked through autumn and winter.
6. They Are So Versatile
Pears are culinary all-rounders. They can be eaten fresh and juicy straight from the tree, or transformed into something incredible. Think poached pears in red wine, pear and almond tarts, and pear chutneys. A tree like Conference is perfect for eating raw, while Comice is legendary for desserts and cheeseboards.
7. Low-Maintenance and Easy to Grow
If you’re worried about needing expert gardening skills to get great results from planting a pear tree, don’t be. Pear trees are surprisingly straightforward to grow. With a little pruning in the first few years and some light annual trimming to keep the shape open, they’ll take care of themselves. They’re hardy, resilient, and will live for years. Varieties like Conference are partially self-fertile too, which means you can get crops without needing multiple trees (though yields improve with a pollination partner). If you’ve grown an apple tree before, you’ll find pears just as easy if not easier.
8. Wildlife Friendly
Adding a pear tree to your garden isn’t just good for you. It’s a win for wildlife too. In spring, the blossom is a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. In autumn, windfalls provide food for birds, hedgehogs, and insects. Pears are a true “multi-benefit” tree, supporting your local ecosystem throughout the year while giving you bumper crops of fruit to enjoy.
9. A Touch of Elegance
Sounds a bit highbrow but there is something graceful about a pear tree that sets it apart from other fruit trees. Their growth habit is naturally upright and slender, meaning they bring height and structure without overwhelming the space. If you want a tree that looks good as well as produces plenty of fruit, pears tick both of the boxes.
10. Something For The Future
Plant a pear tree today and you’ll be reaping the rewards for years to come. Pears can live and fruit for generations. That means your tree won’t just provide fruit for you, but for whoever gardens your plot in the future. It’s a simple, satisfying way to leave a legacy that grows, blossoms, and produces crops of pears for many years.
Final Thoughts
Pears are the unsung heroes of the fruit tree world. They’re beautiful, productive, and far easier to grow than many gardeners realise. Whether you’re tempted by the reliable crops of a Conference or the rich flavour of a Comice or any other variety, there’s a pear tree to suit every garden and every gardener.
So if you’re planning a home orchard or just want one elegant tree that delivers year after year, make it a pear. Go on. You know you want to.
Explore our full range of pear trees here
Your garden, and your kitchen, will thank you.
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