Remember I posted a neighbor lost 2 huge portions of their Bradford? 2 different storms. Well, they finally had it taken down. Husband said - naw, it looks fine, leave it. Wife said - no, it looks terrible, it's just going to keep splitting! So it came down. But the kicker is this.....are you ready?
They're buying another Bradford Pear tree!!!!!
I said, whoa nelly, wait a minute, etc., etc. Explained how I recently heard a Gardening program on the radio and the local expert said Bradford's should never have been planted in this region. Or of course sold here. If they're for sale, people think they're indigenous to this region. My entire street did!!!! We have about 40 now lining our street, 2 in my yard. So then I said well I post on message boards and told her all the excellent advice I heard here - trimming all horizontal branches, etc. Hoping to get thru to her - you do not want to plant another. Then the real kicker is she said they were talking to the same nursery that sold us all these trees!!! Whoa nelly again I said.......finally, she did say well we might plant an Aristicrat Pear tree. They're hardier in this area, according to the nursery expert (ha, not what I'd call him!!). The conversation ended with her thinking it all over. I said skip the nurseries, call a tree specialist, someone not connected to sales at any nursery. You'd all probably think of better advice than that. I do think I gave her food for thought. Told her if one of mine came down, it would not be replaced. And I take pride in my yard!
Well, just wanted to share that with you all. These Bradfords all over Cincy are just splitting like crazy! It's been a stormy few months now but mine are hanging in there, knock on wood - pun intended!
Bradford Pear update
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pvroses
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Yeah for you Mary !! Way to go ! I would of spoke up too. Sometimes I think people are just afraid to be unique and do their own thing. Why would you want another one ?? It's beyond me. Of course if she does talk to the nursery who "planted" the neighborhood they will quickly talk her into another Bradford pear. ya know why ? They are expensive,even for a smaller tree. They also grow fast and people in general have no patience ! I geuss we as gardeners just see things differently.A big blank hole ..... what cool things can I plant in it ? We don't think, "I have to match the neighbors". Hopefully you gave her the info to change her mind ! ~K 
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Miss Mary
I hope they do think it over. Maybe they feel compelled to plant another, to "fit in" with the neighborhood. In the beginning, I fell for that too. Not now! Some neighbors have opted not to replant - anything! So grass is growing where a Bradford once stood.
And one home recently turned over to a new neighbor. A Bradford's roots were all entangled with the sump pump drainage pipe. The sump pump's water was exiting near the foundation, creating a repeating cycle, every 10 minutes after a downpour. The new neighbors took one look at that situation and had the pipe repaired (the motor would eventually have worn out). Former neighbor claims she didn't know it was a problem. Most of us aren't buying that explanation. Anyway, just glad my sump pump pipe drains out back, no where near a tree!
And one home recently turned over to a new neighbor. A Bradford's roots were all entangled with the sump pump drainage pipe. The sump pump's water was exiting near the foundation, creating a repeating cycle, every 10 minutes after a downpour. The new neighbors took one look at that situation and had the pipe repaired (the motor would eventually have worn out). Former neighbor claims she didn't know it was a problem. Most of us aren't buying that explanation. Anyway, just glad my sump pump pipe drains out back, no where near a tree!
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CajunMama
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I have a Bradford Pear in my backyard. After Lili came through, the south side of it looked like someone had sandblasted it. It has all filled in and looks thicker and lusher than before. Guess I was lucky!
But my landscaper did say the tree won't last much longer. He talked about it splitting. I already have plans to plant a red leaf maple when it's time. I'd love to do a live oak but they grow sooooo slow.
But my landscaper did say the tree won't last much longer. He talked about it splitting. I already have plans to plant a red leaf maple when it's time. I'd love to do a live oak but they grow sooooo slow.
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Miss Mary
I just trimmed the bottom branches off my tree. Not the main, thick ones, but the numerous small twigs branching out from these main stems. Hope that makes sense! It didn't take long. It's like a haircut, you just keeping looking at it a little differently to get it just right. It makes cutting grass easier but up inside are many smaller stems just staring that I just can't get to. I'll take my chances for now.
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JQ... they are about 10 years old. Is that young for a tree? We have cold winters down here, but nothing like you all experience up North.
Anyway, I trim the smaller branches too Miss Mary. This helps them keep their shape. I hope these two posts of mine do not come back to bite me later. lol.
Anyway, I trim the smaller branches too Miss Mary. This helps them keep their shape. I hope these two posts of mine do not come back to bite me later. lol.
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Nah those ten year old trees are pretty young. I think they start giving people problems once the trunks get nice and thick. I guess when they are about 25+?! I am no expert...just from what i've seen around town. BTW...quite a few were damaged during isabelle in the raleigh area..and her eye was almost 100miles away from us. Only gusts to 55-60 here.
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