Bradford pears are beautiful flowering trees. These became quite popular in Southern landscapes during the 1980s and the 1990s because they grow quickly, have showy flowers, and are nice shade trees. Plus, they seem to be a good fit for our climate. However, the tide has turned on these trees. Lee’s Nursery & Landscaping in Rock Hill, SC has several reasons why you shouldn’t plant Bradford pear trees in your yard:
- Their growth patterns are problematic – The main branches of a Bradford pear tree grow upward in a bundle of sprouts. This very different from oak and hickory trees, whose branches grow slowly and interlock. The Bradford pear’s growth pattern has proven to cause problems down the road.
- They aren’t suitable for high-wind areas – When winds are stronger than 30 miles an hour, the Bradford pear tends to split into quarters, thirds, or halves. Many property owners who have these trees find them on the ground or even worse, on their homes. The Rock Hill and Charlotte area is known for having windy days and strong storms, making this tree a poor choice for your yard.
- They’re known to split – As we just mentioned, splitting is the main problem experienced by owners of Bradford pears. While some landscapers argue that the risk of splitting can be reduced through aggressive pruning, we believe that the best option for those who really love Bradford pear trees is to admire them from afar. While beautiful, these trees can cause more trouble than they’re worth for property owners.
When you need landscaping in Rock Hill, SC, call Lee’s Nursery & Landscaping. Having the right advice on which trees to plant can do wonders for your property. Let our expert landscapers help you choose the right trees for your yard so they’ll flourish beautifully for years to come.