QUESTION: I have a 16-year-old pear tree and a six-year-old apple tree. How long will they live and bear fruit? Will the end be sudden or gradual?

ANSWER: The end will be gradual if the trees stay healthy. They will continue to bear fruit as long as they have pollinators nearby, though they will bear more if they are well cared for (sharpen those pruners!). Life span depends on what kinds of trees you have. Dwarf apples and pears are usually good for only 20 years or so. Standard trees can make it all the way to 100, though their gradual decline will start at age 50 or 60.