Medlar trees may be one of the most unusual—and most rewarding—fruit trees you’ll ever grow. Known for their unique, spiced fruit that ripens in late fall, medlars are hardy, low-maintenance, and make a charming addition to any backyard orchard. But like all young trees, they need smart summer care during their first year to set the stage for long-term success.
If you’ve recently planted a medlar, follow these five important summer care tips to help it thrive in the heat and build strong roots for the seasons ahead.
1. 💦 Water With Intention, Not Excess
Medlar trees don’t like dry roots—but they don’t like soggy ones either:
- Water deeply once or twice per week, depending on rainfall
- Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid rot
- Focus your watering around the base, not the leaves or trunk
💡 Pro Tip: Add Soil Moist Transplant Crystals at planting time to improve moisture retention in hot, dry climates.
2. 🍂 Use Mulch to Regulate the Root Zone
Mulch helps reduce evaporation and stabilize soil temperatures:
- Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch such as shredded bark, compost, or straw
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent stem rot
- Mulch also cuts down on weeding and keeps moisture where your medlar needs it
🌱 Bonus: Over time, mulch improves soil quality naturally.
3. ☀️ Ease Your Tree Into Full Sun
Medlars enjoy full sun once established, but new trees can get stressed in extreme summer heat:
- Use temporary shade cloth or plant near taller shrubs that provide afternoon relief
- Monitor for leaf scorch or wilting, and adjust sun exposure if needed
- Container trees? Move them to a spot with morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon
🛡️ Summer protection now leads to stronger performance later.
4. 🐛 Watch for Insects and Fungal Issues
Young medlars can become targets if stressed by drought or heat:
- Check weekly for signs of aphids, spider mites, or mildew
- Remove any spotted or damaged leaves
- Use natural solutions like neem oil only when necessary
🔍 A quick weekly inspection can prevent bigger problems later on.
5. 🚫 Delay Fertilizer Until the Right Time
New trees need time to settle in before pushing growth:
- Avoid fertilizing during the peak of summer
- Overfeeding in heat can cause soft, weak growth that’s prone to pests and disease
- Instead, focus on consistent watering and root support until fall
🌿 Strong roots now mean stronger fruiting wood later.
🛒 Where’s the Best Place to Buy Bare Root Medlar Trees?
Starting with a high-quality tree makes all the difference—and Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC delivers:
✅ Best prices on premium bare root medlar trees
✅ Fast, nationwide shipping for healthy plant arrival
✅ Non-GMO varieties, grown for performance in your zone
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – get store credit if your tree doesn’t make it 🛡️
At Ty Ty, we believe in zero stress and all success—from your first tree to your first harvest.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Medlar trees are hardy and unique, but their first summer is key to their long-term success. Give them the right amount of water, mulch, shade, and pest protection, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful foliage and bizarre-but-delicious fruit in seasons to come.
Ready to plant your own? Get your medlar tree from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and grow with confidence.


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