You may need a replacement pear tree for pollination purposes, although you won't really know that until at least one growing season progresses. You should know by mid-summer whether or not year single pear tree needs a pollinator companion, or not, based on whether or not it sets fruit and they develop.

Other than that, there is no reason at all you couldn't plant whatever you wanted in that site. 20 feet is definitely far enough away from the pear for almost any smaller fruit tree, like a peach. It would be a bit close for a standard (non-dwarf) apple or sweet cherry, or many of the nut trees, but fine for peaches, plums, etc.

Dennis
SE Michigan

Thanks for the advice!

You didn't say what growing zone you are in. A Sunset zone 23, to me means fairly warm climate - if that is what it means in your username.

My warmer zone doesn't always please the fruit trees that prefer more winter cold (chilling hours) - so is necessary to find some that will tolerate the warmer climate. I got carried away a few years ago when I saw a Bartlet pear at the nursery - it hates me.

Now I see they have low-chill pear trees available, as well as peach, apple, etc.

If you let folks know what your growing zone is, it would be easier to advise.

Just my 2 c's.

Bejay

Instead of just planting ONE peach tree, why not plant several and get an extended crop? 4 trees in one hole is all the rage in home fruit gardening now. Most homeowners don't need 100 pounds of peaches at once, they'd rather have a few pounds spread out over the summer as their multiple peaches ripen at different times.

And Bejay, I'm sure your Barlett doesn't HATE you, it's just a phase they go through at that age. It'll grow out of it. :)

Carla in Sac

I am in zone 9 in South Louisiana.

Thanks Carla - I needed that. Sooo - there's real hope, maybe this is the year. If it shows promise, I will add a few - but dwarf type pears that I find are now available. Perhaps this is a good time to tear out my front Bermuda grass lawn. Can't wait.

Eric - I rarely give advice for zones that aren't similar to mine - as my - somewhere between 9 and 11 zone is here in So. Cal., where ocean influence plays a big role.

But if you know what the remaining pear tree is - then it would be easier also. Some need another tree for pollenating, some not. Also there are new wonderful dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees that may or may not need a pollenator as well. Many of them can be grown in our area, and are aptly named "low-chill."

Those of us in warmer climate zones are enthusiastic about these new varieties now available, as we are no longer confined to the usual citrus trees-only back yard. I now have 4 apples, apricot, persimmon, almond, banana, peach, plum. Some of these are standard size - some dwarf, or semi-dwarf, requiring fewer winter chill time - along with the usual orange, lime, lemon, mandarin, macadamia and avocado trees. Sounds like a lot - but because many of them only grow to be 6 ft. high and less wide when pruned, they do fine.

You might check the web for nurseries that carry these trees. Many have lots of information on how to grow them as well. Raintree is one, Bay Laurel is another. I recently ordered some Chardonnay wine grapes from the latter. They were a bit slow to arrive - but now planted and anxiously awaiting to see if they prosper here.

The folks in these forums are most helpful - so ask questions.

Just my 2 c's.

Bejay

I would also like to I have read and it seems to be true for me that the street tree pears (Bradford Pears, etc.) will pollinize edible European Pears. So if there are any growing around your neighborhood, you should be fine for getting pears from your remaining pear tree.

Carla in Sac