Spring always brings its mix of challenges and opportunities.

A few frosts that keep us cautious, bursts of rain that complicate irrigation, and the push to get advanced stock comfortably potted for the season ahead. In our early spring blog, we’re focusing on Pyrus species. From bare root through to advanced stock in 100L bags, we’ve been watching them come into their own as the weather warms.

Frost damage — timing matters

The late frosts this year were sharp. Pyrus can hold their own, but new shoots are always vulnerable. Our approach is to:

Wait a week after a frost before making cuts — the full damage takes time to show.
Prune only once the frost risk has passed, cutting cleanly back to live wood.
Avoid stimulating soft regrowth too soon, which only sets the tree back again.

It’s patience that pays off – letting the tree direct its energy into lasting growth instead of quick fixes.

Watering through spring rain

Spring rain is both friend and foe. With Pyrus at different stages, we’ve been mindful of what’s happening in the root zone:

Freshly potted bare root trees (like Pyrus nivalis) need consistent moisture to settle in: too wet and the roots sulk, too dry and they struggle to take.
Bagged advanced stock dries out at a different pace, especially fabric-bag trees, so we adjust irrigation cycles with more frequent checks.
Hydrophobic mixes are a recurring challenge; we use wetting agents or dunk soaks to bring them back to life.

These practical adjustments echo the seasonal irrigation strategies promoted in NGIA’s water management guidelines — keep it deep, consistent, and tailored to the conditions in front of you.

Feeding for steady growth

Pyrus species respond well to a steady feed as the soil warms. Our go-to is controlled-release fertiliser, chosen to suit the container size and the season.

For newly potted stock, it’s about gentle, reliable nutrition while roots settle.
For advanced trees in 100L bags, a balanced NPK formula keeps the canopy filling evenly and the structure building strong.

We see the difference quickly in spring: leaves hold their colour, shoots extend cleanly, and the trees carry themselves with confidence into the warmer months.

Potting up advanced stock — the focus this spring

This is where most of our attention has gone — moving Pyrus from bare root and smaller pots into larger containers that will carry them forward. It’s work that demands care, timing, and consistency.

We’ve been working across a full range of sizes:

Freshly potted bare root — Pyrus nivalis going straight from the ground into bags. The key here is protecting the roots from drying out and setting them firmly in a premium mix.
Mid-stage stock in 400mm pots — species like Pyrus Winter Glow, Cleveland Select, and Manchurian. These are hitting their stride now, and the spring flush is strong. They need steady moisture and space for roots to run.
Advanced stock in 100L bags — particularly Pyrus Cleveland Select. These are the showpieces, demanding the most attention in handling and aftercare.

What we’ve found matters most:

Rootball integrity — keep disturbance minimal. Once lifted, every move counts.
Mix choice — AS 3743 premium blends give the structure, drainage, and nutrition needed.
Moisture management — newly potted trees dry unevenly, especially in fabric systems. We keep cycles light and frequent until roots knit into the new mix.
Setting depth — always crown at the original level. Too deep or too shallow and the tree tells you quickly.

These details align with AS 2303:2018 Tree stock for landscape use, which sets the benchmark for quality, form and resilience in advanced landscape trees. The payoff is already visible — Pyrus in every size class are showing strong spring flush and settling well into their new containers.

Reading the season

Looking across the blocks, the story this spring is one of timing and consistency.

Holding back on pruning until frost damage is clear.
Adjusting watering week by week, depending on rain and soil conditions.
Choosing the right fertiliser for the stage of growth.
Paying close attention to freshly potted Pyrus at every size, from bare root to 100L.

None of it is complicated. It’s just the work of watching, adjusting, and acting at the right time.

Looking ahead

The effort that goes in now sets the pace for summer. With Pyrus, the spring flush is rewarding — clean leaves, strong shoots, and structure that carries them forward.

Whether it’s a nivalis just out of the ground or a 100L Cleveland Select ready for a landscape, the details in potting and care make the difference.

These are the notes we’re carrying with us into the season. If you’re planning projects that call for Pyrus, our latest stocklist is ready for download.

And we’re always happy to chat about your stock and what you’ll need in the upcoming seasons.

Spring growth notes: potting ornamental Pyrus trees