Tree problems · Disease
Fire Blight: signs and what to do
Fire Blight is a tree disease, often seen on Bradford pear and other ornamental pears, apple and crabapple, hawthorn, quince and mountain ash. Look for: shoot tips that wilt, turn brown or black, and bend into a shepherd's crook.
General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.
- Disease
- Bradford pear and other ornamental pears
- Apple and crabapple (not on our species list)
- Hawthorn, quince and mountain ash (not on our species list)
Signs to look for
Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.
0 of 6 signs ticked. Ticks stay in this browser only.
Season
Infection often starts at bloom in warm, humid or wet spring weather. New dieback shows in late spring and early summer.
How it spreads
A bacterium (Erwinia amylovora) spreads from cankers to open blossoms and soft new shoots through rain, wind, insects and pruning tools. Heavy nitrogen feeding that causes soft, fast growth can make trees more susceptible.
Where it is found
Fire blight occurs in many parts of the United States where pears, apples and related plants grow. Check your state official map; ranges change.
Official sources
What to do
- 1
Prune out infected branches in dry weather, cutting well below the visible damage as your extension office advises.
- 2
Clean tools with a disinfectant between each cut, and again between trees.
- 3
Do not prune during bloom or wet weather unless needed to stop spread.
- 4
Bag or remove cut branches rather than leaving them near the tree.
- 5
Stop heavy nitrogen feeding that causes soft new growth.
- 6
Ask a certified arborist about protective sprays for a valuable tree at bloom.
Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
Prevention
Choose less susceptible varieties when you plant, avoid heavy nitrogen, and keep pruning light and well timed. Watch trees closely at bloom in warm, wet years.
When to call a pro
Call a pro when infection reaches large limbs or the trunk, when many branches are affected, or when you are not sure it is fire blight and not storm or frost damage.
Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?
Trees it affects
Usually seen on: Bradford pear and other ornamental pears, Apple and crabapple (not on our species list), Hawthorn, quince and mountain ash (not on our species list).
See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.
For tree companies
How to explain fire blight to a customer
Explain that this bacterial disease spreads on tools, so clean cuts matter. Be honest that pruning slows it but cannot promise a cure. Never overstate the risk to push a removal.
Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.
Questions
What is fire blight?
It is a bacterial disease of pears, apples and related plants. It makes branches look scorched, as if burned.
Can fire blight kill a tree?
Yes, it can, especially on young or highly susceptible trees if it reaches the trunk. Many older trees live with a few lost branches.
When should I prune out fire blight?
Usually in dry weather, and with tools cleaned between cuts. Your local extension office can give advice for your area and tree.
Do I need to remove the whole tree?
Not always. A tree with a small number of infected shoots may be pruned. A heavily infected trunk may need removal.
Does nitrogen fertilizer make it worse?
Too much nitrogen causes soft new growth that the bacteria infect easily, so avoid heavy feeding.
Is it safe to eat fruit from an infected tree?
Fire blight is a plant disease and does not infect people. Ask your extension office about fruit quality and care.
Can Lirevon diagnose fire blight on my tree?
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.
How do I find a good local pro for this?
Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.
Related tree problems
- Cankers (Disease)
- Ambrosia beetles (Insect)
- Anthracnose (Disease)
- Armillaria root rot (shoestring root rot) (Disease)
- Bacterial leaf scorch (Disease)
- Beech Leaf Disease (Disease)