Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Selective colorful fall foliage of green, yellow, orange, red, dried brown leaves clogged on metal gutter of residential house near Dallas, Texas, USA. For example, an iron deficiency in the soil causes chlorosis in plants. Bradford Pears burst on the landscape scene hyped as the perfect fast-growing ornamental flowering pear, great for home or commercial landscape use. 41_03-2011.jpg. I found that they have some pretty terrible thorns on them so I was ready to replace them especially when I found that my local extension listed them as invasive. #97734897 - White Bradford pear trees blooming along a street in the Texas.. This will improve air flow through the tree, reducing moisture while preventing fungal growth. Bradford pear and Callery pear are the most popular common names of Pyrus calleryana. White blossoms of Bradford pear are about a half-inch in diameter.D.R. Bradford Pear or Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ Photo: Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com, Bugwood.org About Bradford Pear: An Invasive Species in Maryland. Unfortunately, because of its invasive tendencies, planting any P. calleryana cultivar is no longer recommended (see below). Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) leaves and fruit isolated on white background. Leaf spot is another common issue that can affect your Bradford pear tree. Your Bradford Pear Leaf White stock images are ready. Bradford pear and Callery pear are the most popular common names of Pyrus calleryana. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has cautioned against planting the trees: “Do not plant Callery or Bradford pear. A Bradford pear leaf, hanging on (the color on the ground is mostly fallen leaves from the same tree). David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Callery pear grows invasively along a roadside. Noted for its three seasons of interest, Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' (Callery Pear) is an ornamental deciduous tree of pyramidal habit with strongly vertical limbs in youth, becoming broader with age. Several weeks after the Bradford pear’s infection, another type of spore-bearing structure called aecia are formed in the infected plant tissue. When introduced in the United States as an ornamental tree, it thrived. Add to Likebox #97718043 - Closeup of white Bradford pear tree blossoms in spring. Flower stamens are not longer than the petals. ‘Bradford’ is a very common cultivar of Callery pear. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} monarch butterfly in white bradford pear tree blossoms in spring - bradford pear tree stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Scientific Name: Pyrus calleryana . Leaf loss can occur due to infection, which could weaken trees. Q. I have two Bradford pear trees in my backyard. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Its form is more upright pyramidal than that of ‘Bradford.’ This cultivar has good resistance to fire blight. `Bradford' is the original introduction of callery pear and has an inferior branching habit when compared to other cultivars which have since been developed. But the issues with the Bradford pear are motley and manifold. Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana "Bradford") made a big splash in the mid-20th century when it became a nearly universal tree selection in residential and commercial landscapes. The Bradford pear grows rapidly to a height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. How fast do Bradford pears grow? Each tree has dark green, glossy leaves that produce magnificent shade in the summer. As the infection spreads, it moves to the branches, which may ooze a … The bark is usually light gray. It is a popular tree that is frequently seen in nearly every city within its growing range. Browse 81 bradford pear tree stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Browse 81 bradford pear tree stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. In autumn the leaves turn bright red to dark red before falling. Soil conditions can change in just a few feet. COVID-19 Extension Updates and Resources ... More Information », Factsheet | HGIC 1006 | Updated: Jan 9, 2020 | Print, Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) in bloom.Barbara H. Smith, ©2019, HGIC Clemson Extension. The Bradford deciduous pear tree is grown more for its ornamental value than fruit production. Unlike most other pear trees this form is grown mainly for its ornamental features. In fact, it's so popular that the two terms are pretty much used interchangeably by the public. Fabraea Leaf Spot. 6915. Bradford pear fruits are small, round, and hard until they soften after the first frost.S.C. Invasive, Exotic Plants of the Southeast Callery 'Bradford' Pear. Similar Images . It… OK, OK, so the tree smells. The tree has alternate, simple, ovate leaves approximately 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. Callery Pear. ‘Bradford’ pear trees have narrow-oval dark green leaves with a shiny surface and wavy margin. Life cycle/information: Deciduous tree bearing clusters of white flowers in early spring. The Bradford Pear is a cultivated variety of the Callery Pear. If the specimen sits in a low spot, you may also need to improve the drainage of the surrounding ground. Be the first to review this product. Shading the tree with shade cloth or some other shelter can help to some degree, providing protection from the blistering sun. However, it does put on a gorgeous, early spring display of pure white blossoms, and the sma… Affected leaves will remain attached, and a shepherd’s hook bend in the twig may be noticed. Entomosporium leaf spot on Pyrus calleryana ‘Cleveland Select’ can cause significant leaf drop.Alan Windham, University of Tennessee. If someone picked you up, carried you out of your home and plopped you down on a strange property, you probably would be none too happy, either. Bradford pear is considered less susceptible to fire blight than most pear varieties. Also known as black spot, Fabraea leaf spot causes purplish black or brown 1/8-inch spots on ornamental pear leaves. In terms of watering, the most that a Bradford pear tree should be watered in the spring season, generally speaking, is twice a week. Once a favorite tree to plant for its profusion of spring blossoms and brilliant fall foliage, the Callery pear—also referred to as Bradford pear—is now becoming known as a weak-wooded, smelly, thorny nuisance. If half a tree landing on your car’s hood is not insulting enough, Bradford pears also spawn invasive offspring that are covering open pastures and roadside shoulders by the mile. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' SKU. D.R. To reduce disease, pruning, fertilization and irrigation should be avoided during the spring. Fire blight is a common problem of many pear species where the ends of twigs and leaves (and fruit, in fruit-producing trees) become blackened as the disease progresses further down the branches. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Identification. The Bradford Pear trees in central Virginia are suffering from rust disease this spring as well as fire blight. Bradford pears are one of the first flowering trees in the spring, and one of the last trees to have colorful leaves in the fall. The Cleveland tends to bloom more heavily than the Bradford. Don't we need more tree huggers, and fewer tree haters? 1 inch of water per week for an optimal soil (that is, soil that is well-draining but not excessively so). The summer heat is very difficult for new trees to tolerate under the best of circumstances, and this is doubly true for plants that are slow to root. Callery 'Bradford' Pear. Unlike most other pear trees this form is grown mainly for its ornamental features. The importance of Bradford Pear is high as its benefits are more and so are Bradford Pear Facts.Every gardener must look for the required information on this plant before planting it. Yellow leaves on Bradford pear trees in spring could also be a sign of overwatering. Bradford Flowering Pear. Pyrus calleryana and cultivars are on the Invasive Plant Pest Species of South Carolina list. A rapid grower (12 to 15 feet increase in height over an 8- to 10-year period), it has a short to moderate life span (15 to 25 years). Occasionally the tree will flower in the fall, usually due to some stress factor, like drought. Cleveland Pear is an even faster growing tree, adding 4′ to 6′ a year of new growth in zones 4 through 8. Both trees provide fall leaf colors of red, orange and purple, but the Bradford is the more vibrant autumn performer of the two. If you do not understand their findings or recommendations, they will be happy to explain—just ask. Most fast-growing trees are generally not as long-lived as other slower growing types. Bradford Pear leaves are oval to heart-shaped 2 to 3 inches long and wide with small teeth around the edges, which means it resembles the shape of a saw blade. Although the blooms look nice, they smell horrible, almost like rotten seafood. In fact, if it has been raining a lot, it might be best not to supply any supplemental watering at all. Removing Bradford Pear Trees. Pyrus calleryana, or the Callery pear, is a species of pear tree native to China and Vietnam, in the family Rosaceae.It is most commonly known for its cultivar 'Bradford', widely planted throughout the United States and increasingly regarded as an invasive species. The circular spots enlarge and may develop oozing black centers. The narrow branching angles cause trees to split in half, especially when subjected to ice and storm conditions. For example, an iron deficiency in the soil causes chlorosis in plants. Bradford Pear Tree Leaf Turning Yellow in Spring When you see leaves turning yellow during spring on a Bradford pear tree, it is always a good idea to rule out some kind of nutrient deficiency. Leaf scorch typically affects Bradford pear trees in summer after a period of drought or high temperatures (it can also be caused by salty soil). What is ‘Bradford’ Callery pear fire blight? Flower petals white, rounded, close together (they touch/overlap at their bases). The tree may become disfigured but typically will not die. Thorns on a callery pear can be long and slender or short and stout.D.R. Bradford pear may be grown as a specimen, screen, or street tree. Other common issues are brown leaves or yellow leaves during a time of year when a healthy specimen would have foliage of another color (typically, green in spring and summer; reddish in fall). Bright green foliage develops terrific orange and deep red fall color. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. An excellent lawn and shade tree that produces an outstanding profusion of white flower clusters early in the season. There are other varieties that might offer some advantages and can be sought through local nurseries or mail order sites. The showy, white flowers appear during spring growth, often before the leaves. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, Bradford Pear Tree Leaf Turning Brown in Summer, Bradford Pear Tree Leaf Turning Yellow in Spring, How to Choose the Right Flower Fertilizer Type, 6 Common Causes for Yellowing Leaves on Houseplants, How to Treat Leaf Wilt on Bradford Pear Trees. Fire blight is a common problem of the species where the ends of twigs and leaves become blackened as the disease progresses further down the branches. But it goes after other fruit trees as … Summer simply isn't the best time to plant trees. Leaves turning brown is a common problem with Bradford pear trees planted in summer, and it's natural to assume that the problem is related to watering. When introduced in the United States as an ornamental tree, it thrived. Leaf spot is another common issue that can affect your Bradford pear tree. Identification: Callery 'Bradford' Pear is a deciduous tree that may reach 60 feet in height and 20 to 30 feet wide. Bradford pear grows best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. In the summer, the top of the leaf is a shiny green while the bottom side is a dull green in the fall, the leaves turn reddish purple. can be extremely localized. It’s easily identified by two things: its white blossoms and the rotting fish smell it can give off during the spring and summer. As Bradford pear is no longer recommended for planting, consider alternative, native white-flowered trees to plant, such as flowering dogwood, serviceberry, white redbud, white fringetree, and Carolina silverbell. Small, round, brown fruit then appear but are hidden by the leaves. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Grumpy Gardener Steve Bender is here to tell you that this stinky, oversized tree is not worth the hassle, though. The importance of plants lies in their great contribution to human life and the environment. These birds return later to lap up leaking sap.D.R. It is a very common landscape plant, used frequently because of its rapid growth rate and tolerance to a variety of urban conditions, including drought, air pollution, and heat. A Bradford pear tree planted in summer is probably just plain stressed out, and the brown leaves may be due to something referred to as 'leaf scorch.' Grumpy Gardener Steve Bender is here to tell you that this stinky, oversized tree is not worth the hassle, though. I have recently identified some wild Bradford pear trees on my property. Early spring flowering may last two weeks, but spring frosts may reduce bloom time. Beautiful in color and form, the Bradford pear tree is native to Asia. Affected leaves will remain attached, and a shepherd’s hook bend in the twig may be noticed. As a general recommendation, newly planted trees should be watered with: When you see leaves turning yellow during spring on a Bradford pear tree, it is always a good idea to rule out some kind of nutrient deficiency. They are truly a sight to behold. Tanner, ©Clemson Extension. These branches will split in a wind storm causing a wound that makes the tree vulnerable to infection. In almost all cases, the tree heals from these wounds. Wildlife love the fruits of the Bradford or Callery pear and an abundance of trees are spread via birds and squirrels, appearing seemingly out of nowhere overnight. The cultivar 'Bradford' was named for Frederick Charles Bradford, one of the chiefs at a USDA plant station in Maryland in the early 1950s, who noticed the tree's ornamental qualities and began work to develop the cultivar named for him. In early spring, a profusion of five-petaled, creamy white flowers are draped in clusters along the branches. Whether the plant is receiving too much water from rain or from excessive manual watering, poor drainage is likely to be the underlying—and bigger—problem. Affordable and search from millions of royalty free images, photos and vectors. Cleveland Pear Developed as Substitute. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Well, yes, say Beasley (who is also a landscape architect) and countless other arborists and environmentalists. Download Bradford pear tree stock photos. It will grow 35 to 40 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide. This cultivar grows 35 feet tall and 16 feet wide. In contrast to their appearance, however, the flowers have an unpleasant odor. For example, one plant may develop chlorosis in the very same soil in which another plant is growing without problems. Sapsuckers will occasionally attack Bradford pears, but this damage rarely does any real harm to the tree. A Bradford Pear will grow up to 25 feet in height with light grey bark. A native of China and Korea, the Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is the progenitor of the most commonly cultivated Bradford Pear tree. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. `Bradford' is the original introduction of callery pear and has an inferior branching habit when compared to other cultivars which have since been developed. Callery pears in bloom, spreading along the edge of woods in Upstate South Carolina.Joey Williamson, ©2012, HGIC, Clemson Extension. New growth such as fruits, flowers and shoots are most vulnerable. These aecia produce spores that are carried by wind to infect more cedars or … For years, the Bradford pear has been an iconic Southern tree (simply because they're everywhere). Entomosporium leaf spot that damages the foliage of photinias (red tips) and Indian hawthorns is also a disease of callery pears, such as ‘Bradford’ and ‘Chanticleer’. Once loved as a mid-size tree that kept a rounded shape and wowed with early spring flowers, the Bradford pear has proven to be susceptible to splitting into matchsticks and wreaking havoc. The plant is native to China South-Central, China Southeast, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan and China North-Central. The Bradford pear tree, also known as the Pyrus calleryana or Callery pear, is a deciduous tree growing across much of North America. Common Name: Callery 'Bradford' Pear, Callery Pear Scientific Name: Pyrus calleryana Identification: Callery 'Bradford' Pear is a deciduous tree that may reach 60 feet in height and 20 to 30 feet wide.The tree has alternate, simple, ovate leaves approximately 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. Spots may enlarge and merge to form larger blackened areas.Tiny black specks, which form spores, can often be observed in the center of each leaf spot. The species is a native of China, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam; the cultivar ‘Bradford’ is the most commonly planted in South Carolina. New growth such as fruits, flowers and shoots are most vulnerable. There’s no questioning their beauty – a fine oval shape producing a mass of white flowers in early spring. Generally speaking, spring and fall are the best times. The most attractive feature of this thornless tree is the showy white flowers that appear before the leaves in the spring. This will improve air flow through the tree, reducing moisture while preventing fungal growth. How to Grow Corn Plants (Dracaena Deremensis). Early pruning is essential for shaping and strengthening young trees. Another hybrid pear, the Cleveland Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Cleveland Select’), was introduced to the market as a substitute to Bradford Pear. ‘Bradford’ is a very common cultivar of Callery pear. 2 inches for a sandy soil (where drainage is actually a little 'too good'). Bradford pears are known for upward growth and branches that grow at narrow angles from the trunk. Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is a spring-flowering tree that has been widely planted throughout the eastern U.S. in the last few decades. 6915. In contrast to their appearance, however, the flowers have an unpleasant odor. Improving drainage can be done by digging channels to facilitate runoff; however, this is more feasible in a mulched area than in a lawn area. Likewise, not all plants are created equal. Structural weakness isn’t a disease, but it is a well-known condition of the Bradford Pear. Q. I have two Bradford pear trees in my backyard. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} ... isolated red leaf - bradford pear tree stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Note that problems based in the soil (nutrient deficiencies, drainage problems, etc.) However, because Bradford pears keep most of their energy in their shoots and roots, there’s a chance the tree can grow back. Wildlife love the fruits of the Bradford or Callery pear and an abundance of trees are spread via birds and squirrels, appearing seemingly out of nowhere overnight. Brief Description of a Bradford Pear. It is also tolerant of pollution. Fruits in fall are small, round, hard, and brown. Remove interior branches that are connecting or growing haphazardly. Fire blight causes the ends of branches to die and deform into a hook shape. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. If you have clay soil (which tends to retain water), you may need to improve the drainage and/or aerate the soil. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. Bradford Pear trees can get to be between 25 to 30 years of age if well tended. Flowers in spring before leaf-out. Bradford pears are known for upward growth and branches that grow at narrow angles from the trunk. It is tolerant of all soil types and grows easily and is, therefore, outperforming many native plants and trees. Caused by fungus, leaf spot can be prevented by controlling moisture in the tree. Leaf Spot Disease Bradford pear trees are quite susceptible to fire blight, a quick-spreading bacterial disease. (For more information on fire blight of fruit trees, refer to HGIC 2208, Fire Blight of Fruit Trees). This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. It does, however, suffer from severe branch splitting, especially in older trees (15+ years). Beautiful.. Debbie Shaughnessy, Former HGIC Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityBob Polomski, PhD, Associate Extension Specialist, Clemson University, Dr. Dave Coyle, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson UniversityJoey Williamson, PhD, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University. The white flowers are showy, but their smell can be quite offensive. There are a number of possible causes for unseasonable brown or yellow leaves on Bradford pear trees. To reduce disease, pruning, fertilization and irrigation should be avoided during the spring. The ‘Bradford’ cultivar of callery pear is fairly resistant, although not immune, to most pests and diseases, including fire blight. Callery pears also have thorns ranging from ¼-inch long to over 2-inches long and can cause extensive damage to equipment by land managers that are trying to remove them from their property. Water will pass relatively quickly through a soil that drains well, and plants are less likely to be adversely affected by too much water. The Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a beautiful, but invasive and highly destructive species, first introduced into the American landscape by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1960.Arthur Tilley/Getty Images springtime in the southern … These escapees are generally unnoticed until spring when the edges of fields, abandoned lots, and forest edges are white with blooms. The showy, white flowers appear during spring growth, often before the leaves. The brown clumps on Linda’s trees point to an infection called fire blight. It is a very common landscape plant, used frequently because of its rapid growth rate and tolerance to a variety of urban conditions, including drought, air pollution, and heat. It was a favorite of landscapers and municipal planners alike. 'Bradford' pear was released to the public in 1963, 12 years after Bradford's death. The ‘Bradford’ cultivar of callery pear is relatively resistant, although not immune, to most pests and diseases, including fire blight. The leaves of afflicted Bradford pear trees appear … Bright green foliage develops terrific orange and deep red fall color. and was known for its weak branch structure. It gives us oxygen. A: After looking at the leaf under the scope it was evident that your tree has Entomosporium leaf spot, which is a common problem in all members of the rose family including Bradford pear. The Bradford is the oldest pear tree and can be found with its beautiful spring flowers enlivening many landscapes. From its overabundance of shade to weak branching structure, Bradford pears are … About half the leaves on one have turned dark-burgundy-brown while the leaves on the other tree are a healthy green. Outside a local shopping center in my town there were about 6-7 bradford pear trees that ran along the building. Similar Images . callery_pears_12_of_24.jpg. The tree may become disfigured but typically will not die. Reddish-purple leaf spots enlarge to create a general reddening and blight of the foliage. Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' SKU. Missouri (April 8, 2018)—Call it the Jekyll and Hyde street tree of Suburban America. As their popularity spread, they were planted everywhere. The seeds of the fruit get dispersed in bird droppings, and in part due to this, the Bradford pear tree has become invasive in many parts of the United States. One of the first spring trees to bloom in Maryland. Prune the tree regularly as it grows during the dormant late winter season. It is tolerant of all soil types and grows easily and is, therefore, outperforming many native plants and trees. A pyramidal shape when young, but develops a broad canopy with age. Its rapid growth, dense foliage, and profusion of flowers made it a highly desirable tree for landscapes and it was planted widely. Bradford Pear is a dense, broadly pyramidal deciduous tree that grows up to 43'. Bradford pear leaf, slightly used. For cultural and chemical control of Entomosporium leaf spot, please see HGIC 1081, Photinia (Red Tip). A Bradford pear tree planted in summer is probably just plain stressed out, and the brown leaves may be due to something referred to as 'leaf scorch. However, the biggest problem is not how much or how little water your Bradford pear tree may be getting, but rather the time of year you decided to plant it. Both the Bradford and Cleveland pear bloom profusely in early spring. Beautiful in color and form, the Bradford pear tree is native to Asia. Bradford Flowering Pear. But it's a tree. Fruits are about the size of a marble and are often eaten by birds. Leaf Wilt Causes . Copyright © 2021 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. The damage caused by yellow-bellied sapsucker is horizontal rows of small holes. Bradford pear trees can be dangerous They can grow up to 30 feet tall, and the Bradford pear can be dangerous because of its weak branch structure, which means that the trees … If you decide to remove the Bradford pear tree and replace it with a pear tree that’s stronger and has edible fruit, you can have the tree removed professionally for between $500 and $1000. The flowers, unfortunately, have an unpleasant fragrance. Bradford pear is considered less susceptible to fire blight than most pear varieties. Get your soil tested by sending a sample into your county extension office. Size: Height: 30–50 feet ('Bradford' variety). The ornamental pear tree’s foliage turns shades of red, purple, and bronze in the fall. The Cleveland pear, also a rapid grower, is a tad smaller, reaching 30 to 40 feet high and 15 feet wide at maturity. Coyle, ©Clemson Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. It tolerates most soil types and conditions, including occasional wet soils or drought. The Bradford pear is relatively free of insect problems, though aphids sometimes colonize individual branches. The seeds of the fruit get dispersed in bird droppings, and in part due to this, the Bradford pear tree has become invasive in many parts of the United States. Bradford pear trees (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') are subject to a number of problems, including branches that are prone to breaking during snow, ice, or wind storms. Get your soil tested by sending a sample into your county extension office. Bradford pears and other trees that have just been transplanted experience transplant shock in a great many cases. Aerating clay soil usually involves puncturing the ground with an auger. 'Bradford' pear was introduced in the mid-1960s and soon became the most popular cultivar of callery pear (Pyrus calleryana). Fire blight on Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ typically begins on the ends of branches and spreads downward.Karen Russ, ©HGIC, Clemson University. The species is named after the Italian-French Sinologue Joseph-Marie Callery (1810–1862), a French missionary, who discovered and collected this plant in China in 1858 and sent specimens of the tree to Europe. This flowering tree was assumed to be sterile (spoiler alert- it isn’t!) It offers fluttery flowers in spring, shows fiery foliage in fall and probably provides an adequate structure for a partridge during the winter holidays. Newly-planted and injured trees are the most susceptible to the disease whose symptoms are caused by the tree's inability to supply adequate amounts of water to its peripheral tissues. Coyle, ©Clemson Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. When Bradford pear was introduced as an ornamental in 1964 by the US Department of Agriculture, it was known then that this tree possessed the weakest branch structure in … Why Do I Have Brown Leaves on My Magnolia Trees? These beautiful ornamental trees are covered with white blossoms in spring, and have yellow, orange, or red leaves in the fall. Bradford Pear Tree. The Bradford pear grows 30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. ‘Aristocrat’ – Although this cultivar has a stronger branching structure than ‘Bradford,’ it is more susceptible to fire blight, which can devastate a planting. When Bradford pear was introduced as an ornamental in 1964 by the US Department of Agriculture, it was known then that this tree possessed the weakest branch structure in nature. If you are confused and cannot decide whether to plant Bradford Pear or Partridge Pea here are More specifically, in this case, Bradford pear trees are slow to root and should be planted only in spring.