When is the best month to plant a Bartlett pear tree in Massachusetts?

Question

When is the best month to plant a Bartlett pear tree in Massachusetts?

Answer 1

I would say early September, at this point you should not have to worry about the summer heat increasing the transplant shock. Also even though the leaves of the tree will soon be dropping, the roots go into their most active growth period during the fall so it will heal itself in much faster.  You will want to make sure that the plant continues to get enough water even after the leaves drop, until the ground starts to freeze. At that point dormancy will set into the whole tree.