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Fall Color |
Pyrus
calleryana ~ Bradford Pear |
| Bradford Pears were once
thought to be the perfect street tree. And maybe even the perfect
tree. I agree that Pyrus calleryana has some good traits. But
some maintenance should be expected. The Bradford Pears grows
branches in a very tight knot when they have been tip pruned. There
just is not enough room for all of the branches to fit as the tree
approaches maturity. Unless it is pruned regularly from the start
Pyrus calleryana will usually have poor shape due to wind damage.
The tops of the Bradford Pear create a lot of sail effect. Even if
the trees are properly staked the trunks can snap as they grow beyond the
capacity of the stakes holding power. Pyrus will put on a great fall
show. The flowers are beautiful, though a little less than perfect
scent can be expected. And they drop at least a moderate amount of
fruit that is too small to eat, but not so small as to not be mashed
underfoot. I like to place Pyrus calleryana out where the fruit drop
will not matter. And I thin them annually so the Bradford Pears do
not become a hazard to themselves.
 High resolution
images of Pyrus calleryana, Bradford Pear are available. |
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