Bradford Pear trees (also known as Callery Pear trees) were once a ubiquitous choice, admired by subdivision builders and suburban homeowners for their beautiful spring flowers. The lovely, perfectly symmetrical shape of their crown has also made them a very popular choice over the years. However, the Bradford Pear tree is now known to be a troublesome tree across America, including in the Cincinnati area, due to their weak structure, unfortunate smell, susceptibility to disease, and prolific reproduction. Here are some of issues with the Bradford Pear, and why they absolutely should not be chosen for your backyard:
- They smell really bad — The odor has been compared to that of rotting fish.
- They’re weak – Bradford Pear trees can be surprisingly easily damaged by even moderate winds, heavy rain, snow, and strong storms. Although they generally have a lifespan of only 20 years, many of them don’t even make it that long due to damage suffered because of adverse weather conditions.
- Fire Blight – This is a bacterial disease which shows up first as branch and tree cankers which are areas of dead bark that appear in the spring. The cankers will excrete a tan ooze which turns to a darker color when it is exposed to the air. This disease attacks open flowers, turning them black and causing them to wilt. Pruning the infected areas is a job for a professional tree trimming service – in Cincinnati, you can call us here at Tree Images. If the pruning is not done properly, then the disease can spread to other areas of the tree, or to neighboring trees. The pruning equipment must be disinfected between cuts in order to prevent spreading the disease. Mild to warm temperatures promote the ideal conditions for this bacterial disease to grow. In order to reduce the risk of fire blight, it is best to not fertilize the trees with nitrogen fertilizer or to prune the trees during this kind of weather. Doing so will only encourage the growth and spread of these bacteria.
- Entomosporium Leaf Spot – This is a fungal disease which usually develops during cool temperatures and wet weather. This disease will show up as small, bright red spots on the surfaces of the leaves. If the infection is small, then it will be an eyesore more than anything else. If the infection is severe, the result can be leaf drop and damage to the internal structure of the tree. A professional tree service should evaluate the appropriate response to this disease.
- Excessive watering – Avoid excessive watering because too much moisture can increase fungal growth. (This is true for all trees, not specifically for Bradford Pear trees.)
- Bradford Pear trees can reproduce – When newer Callery pear cultivars pollinate Bradford Pear trees, the trees will produce seeds which may grow into trees that will crowd out other trees. These trees are an invasive species, which can take over their environment and kill off native species. These trees, which do not grow naturally in North America, have been found throughout suburban woodlands, due to their reproduction and spreading. This is bad news for native local species who are losing ground to the invaders.
- Extensive root structure – The root structure can absorb so much moisture that surrounding plant life may die. This is also a serious problem when removing the tree from the yard.
- They’re illegal in Ohio – This doesn’t mean you have to go cut down Bradford Pear trees in your yard, but it’s no longer legal to plant new Bradford Pears across Ohio due to the damage they are inflicting as an invasive species.
One of our Bradford Tree experts here at Tree Images will be pleased to evaluate your Bradford Pear Tree and recommend any action that is appropriate. Call us today with your questions or to make an appointment for a tree inspection.
Resources:
https://wellnessmama.com/126975/cut-down-bradford-pear-tree/
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/life/2016/03/21/curse-bradford-pear/82070210/
