Pears are easier to grow( less insect/disease problems) than most other types of fruit. They handle heavier clay soils better than most fruit trees and some varieties like So Sweet pear can handle Canada's coldest climate areas( zones 1-4). They are naturally long lived as we have seen trees that are over 100 yrs old. European pears( like Bartlett) soften when ripe but Asian pears(like Kenko) stay crunchy when ripe. We sell all our Asian pears for a premium price in our local market place as Canadian consumers have fallen in love with their refreshingly crunchy sweet and juicy flesh.