These productive, disease-resistant varieties promise bushels of delicious homegrown fruit.

One of the most rewardingbackyard fruit trees, pears are a great choice in many climates!

In addition to their delicious fruit, pear trees offer pretty spring flowers and fall color.

pears growing in trees with a blue sky in the background

Credit: KSevchenko / Getty Images

Two thrivingpear treeswill give you plenty of fruit over a two-to-four-week period in late summer or early fall.

Choosing the right pear trees for your landscape and climate is key to ensuring a big harvest.

Some types of pear trees can withstand frigid winter temperatures, while others thrive in warm regions.

Seckel pears growing in treee

Use these tips to choose the best types of pear trees for your area.

Plant two pear varieties for best pollination.

The flowers of most pear varieties can’tpollinate themselves.

Shinko Asian pear growing on tree

Instead, they must cross-pollinate with a different variety to develop fruit.

A different variety of pear growing within 100 feet will provide the pollen necessary for fertilization.

Look for fire blight resistance.

Fire blight is the most common pear disease, and isn’t curable.

An infected tree often dies within a couple of years unless you intervene to control the problem.

Good news: several varieties are at least partially resistant to fully resistant to fire blight.

Unfortunately, they’re susceptible to fire blight so aren’t the best choice for a home garden.

Count on these varieties to fruit well in Zones 5-9.

Best Dwarf Pear Trees

Traditional pear trees reach lofty heights of 15 to 20 feet.

Tall trees make it challenging to reach all the fruit.

Look for a mature size designation of 8 to 12 feet tall.