Unfortunately the last big storm that hit here dumped five to six inches of wet snow; today's storm was just a nice pretty storm to enjoy, and my sister's Bradford pear was in full bloom when it hit. The results is what you see in the photo. She planted the trees not long after the house was built and they have managed to survive all these years through many storms. However, this was the first year the trees bloomed so early in the year; the blossoms caught a lot of snow and it was more force than the limbs could managed. The trees are probably at the end of their lifespan but sister was still not happy. Half the tree canopy is gone so the rest of the tree will be coming down. The other two Bradfords will stay until the end of the year when they will come down as well. At least the wood won't go to waste. While I was over helping her with the cleanup; she walked me to a couple of downed trees; a huge red oak, a maple and a smaller red oak. I hope to get those out as well as the downed trees on my property. Maybe I can start getting towards the three year plan.
I'm glad to see that you cut up even the thinner branches. Those often up in a burn pile. They'll burn just fine 8n a wood stove. Good luck with the oaks and maple. All good for heating. Sent from my SM-T280 using Tapatalk
These are Bradford pear; hybrid crossed with some pear from China I think. Do you think that would make a difference?
By the way, what you are seeing in the photos is just the the limbs; the main trunk is still standing. The section on the tailgate is where the limb split from the trunk. Bradford pears are bad about splitting up; I have seen the same from wind storms, because of the tight vee of the limbs as they leave the trunk.
Bradford pear, except for firewood, a totally useless tree. Short life span and prone to splitting in wind, snow or ice and very invasive. Enjoy the burn; it burns very well and makes excellent heat.
And an invasive species; which tends to revert back to some unpleasant things like thorns when they grow in the wild. They are not infertile; the little tiny pears they produce are consumed by birds which then poop the seeds everywhere. The reverted form can be troublesome to remove due to the thorns etc. My sister stated she would never had planted them if she knew what she does now, back then. If you want some flowering trees, plant fruit trees; she does have some fruit pear trees planted.
Oh, you did say invasive; anyway, they should never have been introduce into the US. We pay for a lot of such mistakes; like the gypsy moths that are destroying trees.
Bradford does burn good, watch it if using hydraulics. Stuff explodes. I love seeing those trees getting cut down. They stink up the neigberhood in the spring, smell like rotten fish
Yes, the main city in my county (which has a forester on staff) lined their walking trails with these, only to admit it was a bad idea. Came up with a plan to replace them with another species, though I don't recall what it is. A lot of people were frustrated at the poor decision making.
As much as I agree with the sentiment, they do grow fast and provide some shade on a new house lot (that may have been stripped bare) They do make a mess if the weather has its way with them when they get big enough though. So cut it down and plant another one. LOL
