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"Many people fall in love with the rich autumn color and spring blossoms of these popular trees . Yet, if a tree's assignment will be longer than 25 years, superficial beauty may not stand the test of time."
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Perhaps the best way to choose any permanent tree is by knowing which trees not to plant. As with all choices, to make the best ones we need as much experience and information as possible on the negatives as well as the positives[1]. Especially certain trees which are; familiar, available, affordable, and have notable seasonal interest. Usually those are good marks for any tree, however the esthetic curb appeal of a tree is surely not enough to tell from. The Bradford pear Pyrus calleryana, certainly fits all of these criteria, however are those factors really enough to show how they will ultimatly perform? Maybe it's time to stop and evaluate some of their more obscure history.
The Bradford Pear tree was introduced into the States in 1963 by the USDA, having been planted here since after the turn of the last century. They are originally native to Korea and China.[2] It is a fast growing tree that flowers early in spring before any leaves are born. Young trees hold their pyramidal shape fairly well, and compliment the front elevation of newer homes. Many people fall in love with the rich autumn color and spring blossoms of these popular trees . Yet, if a tree's assignment will be longer than 25 years, superficial beauty may not stand the test of time.
When we bought this home in 1995, the landscape was donned with 5 of these trees, and at that time they were sufficient for shade being only ten years old or so. In spring they were abloom with pretty white flowers like those of a real pear tree, though their scent is nothing like real fruit blossoms at all. In autumn the leaves turn amazing colors of orange, red, and maroon, which are indeed very beautiful. A nice contrast with all the yellows and evergreens. Birds, (mainly grackles here) use them as nesting sites in spring because of their rapid and dense foliar coverage after the blooms have fallen. If only the wood were as dense as the foliage, they could have had some enduring quality to redeem them. In addition, to us, there is something very dubious about a fruit tree that bears no edible fruit. "What's up with that?"
After several years we began noticing the suckers[3] coming up around 3 of them. These suckers grow very fast, and if they were left would make a small forest impossible to walk through without being injured, or without a machete! One of them took up almost a quarter of the back yard, and when we began to have more time and money to deal with it, the best  solution was to it cut down. If this is done correctly, the whole tree would be removed, stump and all. The cost? Two hundred dollars, (and that's a good price)! The stump removal would be another $250! Last week we had only a small amount of rain one night, and woke up to the split tree across our front lawn.
Over time the Bradford has shown its true colors to us. Now we know several more things about this tree to be aware of... They split easily, they grow suckers, and they have a very shallow root system. As they grow taller, much stress is put on the lower and larger joints of the tree, which invariably causes splitting. The suckers grow almost as fast as the grass around them, and cannot be mowed without damaging a typical lawn mower. It is difficult to plant anything around them except grass, because when digging the holes for new plants a shallow root can be struck with every other hole. There are very few of these that make it to 30 years old without splitting.  The split trees are beginning to line our street, a few at a time. Adding one more element to their negative proclivities. That is, the hazard of falling on something or someone.
The one in the back yard was cut down last fall, and the space is now dedicated to butterfly and wildlife plants with more purpose to give back life by providing a splendid natural habitat. Having the insights of excellent counsel through this very database you are reading from now, the choices for the new space came very easily. We were able to map out rows of beds across the back yard to add about 150 new plant species. The forums and PlantFiles here have given us a crystal clear look at some very effective choices. Plants that have truly supported their space. There is an alternative to being confined to the good opinion of a nursery's sales staff, (which is often biased to make a sale). Eventually we plan to use almost every available space with either a good native nectar or larval host plant. Superior choices being natives of both whenever possible. We have learned some great lessons about the initial selection of a tree. Had we known what we do now when we moved in, we would have replaced the Bradford pear trees then. When the trunks were only 6" in diameter.
The connections here in plant files can give anyone more than enough information to make the perfect choice for a tree, that serves its space well. Often the plants needed and wanted the most can be found through other members who have enough to share by trade, or postage. Some of the plants we have acquired in this manner are very rare, and they would have been very difficult to obtain otherwise. There are many trees sold in commercial nurseries that follow the same trend of beauty versus benefit. However, 13 years later, as two out of five of these trees are gone, a new and valuable understanding has been gained. Likewise, the reason we felt a responsibility to share our short, and honest history about this beautiful tree.
Footnotes:
[1] On every entry in the "plant files" there is a place for entering the overall opinion and experience with each plant, (positive, negative or neutral).
[2] Information substantiated by Marc Montefusco Frederick County Master Gardener Program
[3] Sucker -- A shoot which arises from an underground shoot or root of a plant.
 | Debnes has been retired since her youngest of 4 was born. Now she has spent any spare moments researching every sort of life in the garden. Furthermore writing for about 10 years, on subjects of faith, plants, and wildlife, and it all revolves around the garden. In the process of pursuing several of her life's passions, she found some real treasures in practical every day life. It's where she confirmed that everything on earth, be it thought or matter, sows a seed. |
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Subject: Bradford Pears
Posted by phantomasc (from Georgetown, MA) on October 21, 2007 at 6:12 PM:Everything has it's place. Bradford Pears supply brief springtime beauty, they grow fast, and for urban areas can provide vegetation in a relatively short period. Red Oaks and Shagbark Hickory are much more substantial. Sturdy, great hardwood, but they require a lifetime to grow to a semblance of maturity. With this shade and beauty, come clean up in the fall, and dead limb pick up after substantial winds. Red Oak pollen fronds can be substantial in the spring.
As for invasive species, the label also applies to Mute Swans, and Purple Loosestrife. Two of the most beautiful things that nature provides. Investigate and observe before applying the label. ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 21, 2007 at 7:36 PM: Hi phantomasc!
Very interesting insights!
Thanks!
debnes ...
Subject: trinity pear
Posted by cathy4 (from St. Louis County, MO) on October 14, 2007 at 2:02 PM:Our nursery man recommended the trinity pear as a better choice over the bradford. Supposed to have harder wood. It is beautiful, time will tell on the hardiness. We've had 3 major storms (2 wind, one ice) with no damage so far. ... Posted by claypa (from West Pottsgrove, PA) on October 14, 2007 at 2:12 PM: A Callery pear by any name is still a Callery pear
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] ...
Subject: Super informative - thanks!
Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on October 14, 2007 at 10:36 AM:and here in Maryland where they were planted ad nauseum many years ago, they've now gained status on our Mid-Atlantic Invasive plant list !
Who'd have thought! [HYPERLINK@www.invasive.org]
... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 12:43 PM: Hi there Dea!
Aren't they like so many things that require more thought and research? Not doing so can be so disastrous can't it? There is some good that came from it, and it is all for future reference, still very valuable to apply this like a metaphor to many other areas. Not just plants.
Thank you for reading, (especially for responding)!
debnes ... Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on October 15, 2007 at 12:23 AM: Very good information! Thanks! ... Posted by AYankeeCat (from Bridgeport, CT) on October 15, 2007 at 10:41 AM: Good information. I wish the city planners who chose Bradford Pear as our median tree had done their homework. Bradford Pear sounds like a really, really bad choice. LOL As we say here: "Only in Bridgeport". ... Posted by Cordeledawg (from Cordele, GA) on October 15, 2007 at 9:15 PM: Good article, Deb. Wish I had read more information on these trees before I planted two in my front yard. The lawn service has used their weedwacker to cut down the suckers and have damaged the trunk of the trees in the process. I love the spring blooms and the fall color, but you're right, they don't last long and are expensive to remove. ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 15, 2007 at 9:40 PM: Thanks for the nice comments everyone!
I hear ya Deborah.. The salesmen at the nurseries aren't that helpful, and seem oblivious to things like this ...
Here at DG we get the truth , and are ready to hear it, and tell it too. :-)
Gotta love that~
debnes
... Posted by nanny_56 (from Putnam County, IN) on October 17, 2007 at 9:28 AM: We wanted a tree in the front yard for shade and my dh wanted to get a Bradford Pear because it grows fast and I kept saying 'no'. He should know better because at our old home a neighbor had a huge one and an ice storm caused it to split and it missed our house by inches!!
After many 'disscussions' He finally got it that I was not going to give in on this one!! ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 17, 2007 at 9:40 AM: Way to stick to your guns nanny! In the long run he will thank you!
debnes ...
Subject: New Start
Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 9:29 AM:Ironic that you should give this information today. In the last 2 weeks we have had 2 fruitless mulberrys taken down. Planted them in 1967 as a switch knowing that the life span was predicted to be 20 years. They have been wonderful shade trees for these 40 years. We have been planting pecan, live oak, red oak, and crepe myrtle to take their place. They were half dead and very scraggly this year. Now we face a very different landscape of mostly sun that we haven't had since the very beginning.
Time for a new plan.
Thank you for a very informative article.
LouC ... Posted by McGlory (from Southeast, NE) on October 14, 2007 at 11:14 AM: We were given a Bradford as a wedding gift. DH wanted to plant it under the power lines. Sigh. ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 1:17 PM: Sigh indeed Glory... Yikes...under power lines!!
Now you're on another level.. and that is the sentimental gift level. I have another 'Thug" that is the Chinese privet. My SIL gave it to me when we moved here about 1 years ago. I planted it in the corner of the back yard. Which turns out to be the perfect place for it today. Who'd a thought?
Yes, it is invasive as all get out, and yes it kinda stinks... But the blooms in spring, (though nauseating), attract every butterfly within 10 miles of here. In March it was covered with Red Admirals and all of the other early brushfoot butterflies. This privet is a rare exception. Maybe because it was a gift from a sister I love dearly, and that over-rides a lot. In the right spot I suppose anything can work out perfectly if love brought it there.
Which brings me to my reply to Christi.. What I did in back with all that sunny space was something for a future article to go into any depth about. I will tell you that it couldn't have all come together better if I'd have planned it out. Besides I'm not that patient.. LOL. I sure know who is though.. His eye was all over this turn of events for me. Planting all the butterfly plants was perfect for the sunny open space left in the wake of all the B Pear perils.
I have to pull up suckers all through my beds. I also have a time with another one... Silver Maple.. which makes little saplings all over the place.
How could I have known to plan this whole thing? This situation with the fruitless pears has brought so much more than sunlight, so many different forms of enlightenment.
Thank you for reading and responding y'all!
debnes ... Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 1:52 PM: Looking forward to more fun with Deb. See ya at the RU. ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 1:56 PM: Awe.. Same here Christi!!
debnes ... Posted by marsue (from Cabot, AR) on October 23, 2007 at 3:29 PM: Just read your interesting article about the Bradford Pear, A few years ago on one of the locally produced TV shows, there was an expert from one of the gardening centers talking about Bradford Pear trees. He didn't have anything good to say about them, either, other than they are pretty when they flower in the Spring. He recommended the Chanticleer Pear tree, instead. Have you ever heard of the Chanticleer? Since watching that TV show, I have been noticing the Bradford Pears which are planted about the area and without exception, as they get bigger they start splitting in the middle. It's such a shame that all the nurseries in our central Arkansas area push the Bradford Pear. ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 24, 2007 at 9:12 AM: Yes marsue,
I was thumbing through a well known "texas gardening expert" book the other day and he recommended the B pear too.. My heart just sank with how he must feel now after misleading so many people..
debnes ... Posted by dawnsharon2001 (from New York, NY) on October 27, 2007 at 9:05 PM: It appears, from a quick Googling, that Chanticleer is the name of a newer variety of Callery pear I've noticed replacing the Bradford in initial plantings over the last few years. If you computer-simulated the growth pattern of a Bradford pear, then turned the "pointiness" dial a good bit to the right, you'd be looking at a Chanticleer. Branching angles are more acute at every level from the largest limbs to the twigs, giving the tree an upright, pyramidal look. Even the leaves are longer and distinctly pointed at the ends, rather than oval-to-round. The idea is that the narrow crotch angles are less vulnerable to wind damage, making the Chanticleer resistant to splitting. So far, apparently, so good. Will it stand the test of time? I guess we'll watch those urban and suburban plantings and find out.
I liked this article a lot -- I also think the fall foliage is the Bradford's best feature. The flowers are pretty, but the lack of perfume is disappointing, though I've never smelled pear blossom of any variety that was any different -- do some smell more like apple blossom than privet? Cherry blossom is often scentless too. And I don't mind the lack of edible fruit, because a large-fruited pear is never going to be a street tree, sweet as the smell of fallen ripe pears may be.
--Dawn ... Posted by marsue (from Cabot, AR) on October 28, 2007 at 6:36 PM: Thanks for the info about the Chanticleer Pear, Dawn. I'll have to see if I can find that same info on google and look at it for myself. Everybody, but everybody, in the central Arkansas area has planted Bradford pears in their yards. It would seem that they have all been brainwashed! :o( ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 28, 2007 at 7:30 PM: Thanks Dawn!
Yep there is a variety that might be a stronger plant, but somehow the one that people find available is not the Chanticleer. The article was mainly a heads-up on what happened to us and many of our neighbors. Builders put these trees into sub-divisions often, and the contractor is long gone by the time people have issues with the trees.
As far as the blossoms.. Pear blossoms on fruiting pear trees smell heavenly!
It all depends on one's objectives in the garden. Some folks want fruitless trees because they are less messy. Some folks want the function of the plant or tree and the aesthetics are an afterthought. A bonus if the plant is beautiful as well.
Marsue, Many of the gardening guides will recommend the BP as a good one to plant... Guess they feel that changing their mind would cause a lot of the books they've published to be re-written. As if they made some mistake. I, on the other hand, feel that something can only be a mistake if one refuses to correct it. Change is one thing we can count on, why not work it to the best advantage?
It certainly does appear some brainwashing has gone on, maybe bc people let others do their thinking and research for them instead of doing it for themselves.
:-S
debnes ... Posted by Terry (from Murfreesboro, TN) on October 31, 2007 at 10:47 AM: At our former residence, the developer had created a master planting scheme that involved 2 or 3 'Bradford' pears in the front of every home. We were there for only 3 years after building that home, and when we moved, I wasn't aware of the myriad of problems associated with Bradfords. I did know that their blooms are stinky...my first big whiff of a Bradford tree in bloom sent me looking for the dead animal I was sure was putrefying somewhere nearby! More seriously, I've developed an acute sensitivity to Bradfords, and my allergies kick into overdrive for the 2-3 weeks they're in bloom.
Our neighbor lost a large Bradford pear a few years ago when a storm caused a large limb sail through a bedroom window and tear off the corner of his house.
We had one Bradford in the backyard of this home (courtesy of the former owners.) After that storm and a few years of annual allergic reactions, we decided to remove ours. We're still dealing with suckers, but at least the tree is down and I can walk in my backyard in the spring without being severely medicated! ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on November 1, 2007 at 9:11 AM: I hear you Terry!
With so many people recommending them, I thought it was important to bring out what we have learned. Eventually we might get the word out, and save people a lot of trouble.
debnes ...
Subject: Great Article!
Posted by JanetS (from Braselton, GA) on October 14, 2007 at 9:21 AM:
| Quoted: | | In spring they were abloom with pretty white flowers like those of a real pear tree, though their scent is nothing like real fruit blossoms at all. |
Funny story.. a couple of years ago, when the trees were in bloom, my Brother and I were at an Arboretum near my home. They are beautiful in full bloom! He could hardly wait to stick his face into those blooms...and if you could have seen the look of shock, when he realized they SMELL terrible! LOL I laughed for several minutes! They are certainly not Cherry Blossoms. He stills talks about how shocked he was by the terrible smell of those beautiful flowers!... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 12:35 PM: Ah Janet!!
That is such a hilarious story!! I can imagine the look on his face.. ROFL!!
Thank you!
debnes ... Posted by JanetS (from Braselton, GA) on October 14, 2007 at 10:41 PM: ;) ...
Subject: reminds me of the Norway Maple!
Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on October 14, 2007 at 9:21 AM:Our street was - when we moved in in 1994 - lined with what I now know are Noway maples. They must have been planted by the town; they're in the no man's land between the sidewalk and the street. They don't make suckers, but their seeds (those cute little winged things) have a 150% germination rate. I think those little seedlings, rather than dandelions or crabgrass, are what everyone else on the street is trying to kill with their 'lawn programs' involving who knows what chemicals. We can't afford a ''lawn program' and don't really want one; instead we pull the little imps wherever we see them sprouting - between day lilies, between paving stones, and of course, in what's left of the lawn after being turned into a garden. Oh, did I mention the seedlings in my new perennial beds?
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
I'm not sure why the town has these planted on every street in my town. They aren't sugar maples, which are the prettiest.brilliant fall red. They are a good shade tree and are able to grow quickly in urban areas. For all the reasons listed above (shallow roots, top heavy) they are also terrific at falling down in high winds or cracking!
Our house is one of the few left on our street with a stately, dense Norway maple shading more and more of the garden each year. All the others have either fallen down or cracked down the middle. We also have a volunteer in the back yard. It was 5 feet tall when we moved in. By the time we knew what it was it was 15 ft., by the time all the other trees started falling over and it was revealed as EVIL, it was 30 ft tall.
Last summer I saw a crew planting new little trees in the holes left by deceased Noway maples. Gee, maybe we can sell them some of our seedlings, I thought. They told me that it was no longer town policy to plant these maples, that in fact they had been sent back to rip out maples previously planted! I raced inside to look them up, and sure enough, the Norway maple is just now listed as an invasive species in Massachusetts. I don't know what they planted instead; I haven't gotten close enough to try to tell from the leaves. BUT THEY'RE NOT NORWAY MAPLES!!!
Please check out invasive species listings and do what you can to avoid another Norway maple, Bradford pear or other nasty tree. I'd post a picture of the split tree up the street but I'm on the wrong computer.
xx, Carrie ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on October 14, 2007 at 12:01 PM: Hi Carrie!
I hear you with the Norway Maple. There are so many trees that are thugs.. So just because we find a "good deal" or think they are "pretty" isn't enough, is it? We learned a profound lesson with this particular species. A lesson that will have us checking and double checking everything we plant now. I was hoping to save as many folks as possible from finding themselves in the same spot you and I have found the hard way.
You have now brought out some more species to be aware of, and I really appreciate it, and I hope we help others to have a more enduring enjoyable garden by bringing out this info.
Thank You!
debnes ... Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on October 14, 2007 at 2:54 PM: Oh, don't thank me, I just like to complain more loudly than just to my poor husband! The thing I feel worst about is I traded some of my plentiful maple seedlings to another DG member for some daylilies... now I'm a thug spreader! ... Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on February 25, 2008 at 6:49 PM: Debnes - I have since found out that the cute little saplings they've planted in the gaps, the ones that aren't Norway Maples - they're Bradford pears. Sigh.
Carrie ... Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on February 27, 2008 at 4:03 PM: Bummer Carrie~
I suppose the "town" will have to foot the bill for the maintenance they will require and eventually cut the split trees down. (Guessing that will come out of the tax money. :-/) The people who are hit the hardest are individual homeowners who end up having to pay for all that out of one or two pockets.
debnes ...
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