When planting your pear tree, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of   its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating   plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Avoiding frozen   and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive. If you've  ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour  prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in  temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. In exposed  positions, stake firmly and keep the base weed-free. Apply a balanced  fertiliser in early spring to support growth and fruiting and provide regular   watering during hot, dry spells. The main winter prune, avoiding frosty   conditions, involves removing dead, dying, and diseased wood to create an open  crown. Additionally, reduce leaders and laterals by a third to establish an   airy structure without crisscrossing branches. In August, summer prune by   shortening side shoots longer than 20cm (8”) back to three leaves, promoting   fruit ripening and encouraging more fruit buds. Always ensure that the growth   you trim feels firm to the touch. Pears naturally shed a small quantity of the  developing fruits in mid summer. After this has occurred, thin out the   remaining pears, leaving one pear per cluster.