Pyrus calleryana Bradford - Bradford Pear

Bradford Pears were once thought to be the perfect street tree. And maybe even the perfect tree. I agree that Pyrus calleryana Bradford has some good traits. But some maintenance should be expected. If you want to limit the size of your tree you tip prune. The Bradford Pears grows branches in a very tight knot, especially when they have been tip pruned. There just is not enough room for all of the branches to fit as the Bradford Pear tree approaches maturity. If you just leave enough alone after containing your tree Pyrus calleryana Bradford will become a wind wall and 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 foliage show. The white flowers are beautiful, and super fragrant, though many think the fragrance is too much. Mostly the Bradford Pear is abundantly fragrant, more so than many would like. But a lot of folks just like to complain. The Bradford Pears 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 Bradford out where the fruit drop will not matter. And I thin them annually so the Bradford Pears do not become a hazard to themselves.