I recently had a Bradford Pear Tree planted in front of my house. I feel it is too close to the porch (about 4 feet from the trunk to the porch) Will I have a problem with this tree as it grows?

Reply to post by Kim, on May 16, 2002 at 13:26:40:

I would like to move a very young bradford pear tree, is it possible and if so at what time orf the year?

Reply to post by Kim, on May 16, 2002 at 13:26:40:

Hi Kim, Sorry to give you bad news, but you are quite likely to have problems with a "Bradford" irrespective of where you plant it. This variety is notorious for it's suicidal tendencies and inherrant desire to fall apart. I wonder if there was any professional involvement in the choice and planting of the tree?, nursery, landscape company etc; Seems you should have been informed about the predisposition to failure by someone,

James.

Reply to post by James Causton, on May 16, 2002 at 13:26:40:

A word of caution- many of the Callery pear cultivars are called 'Bradford', even though they may actually be some other cultivar. It is the oldest of the names, and has taken on a generic quality in some places. Let's not be too quick to condemn unless we're sure.

The true Bradfords do have many problems, including the narrow weqak crotches that allow them to fall apart soon after 10 or 12 years of age. Pruning and cabling and help to mitigate the problems a bit, though. Other cultivars like Whitehouse, Chanticlear, Redspire, and others may have better sturcture. they also may produce viable seed (the Bradford does not) and result in "escapes" that naturalize. I have a mini-forest of pear sprouts in a nearby right-of-way due to all the pears planted in the neighborhood (every house in the development got at least one).

Reply to post by Kim, on May 16, 2002 at 13:26:40:

Four feet is a bit too close for any large growing tree. The callery pear cultivars (whether it is Bradford or some other- see my other reply in this thread) can grow as much as three feet or more a year of new twig growth. As they age it slows, but 12 inches is common. They can end up with a spread of 20 to 30 feet in 15 years.

You may be able to keep the tree pruned and leave it where it is. The other option is to move it farther away. I would recommend waiting now until the fall, then have a landscape company move it for you. Just digging and lifting a ball of soil won't do- too much risk of root injury, and the tree may not survive. Get done the right way, or simply cut it down and plant a new one in the right place.

Reply to post by Kim, on May 16, 2002 at 13:26:40:

I am in the market for a pear tree. What is the difference between the Bradford verses the Cleveland Pear?

Reply to post by victoria, on May 16, 2002 at 13:26:40:

A Google search brought me the link below.
A picture on another site showed the clearly pyramidal shape.