About Cleveland Pear Trees

The Cleveland pear tree (Pyrus calleryana) is an ornamental tree valued for its symmetrical shape and its annual spring display of masses of pure white flowers. It is sturdier than the more common Bradford pear tree, and has a refined natural shape.

Growing Conditions

According to Stark Brothers Nursery, the Cleveland pear tree is hardy in growing zones 4 to 8. Fast Growing Nursery Trees reports that it tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions and can withstand drought and even partial shade. At maturity, a Cleveland pear tree will stand 30 to 40 feet high and reach a width of 25 to 30 feet. It blooms early in the spring and then leafs out into green foliage, which turns red or orange in the fall.

Bradford Pear Trees Versus Cleveland Pear Trees

Bradford pear trees have become one of the most common landscape trees in the United States, because they grow fast and and flower profusely every spring. The Alabama Cooperative Extension reports, however, that Bradford pears "are plagued with one fatal flaw: due to their combination of vigorous growth, weak wood and poor branch structure, they often begin falling apart after only 20 years."

Cleveland pear trees, on the other hand, are much sturdier. "Cleveland Pears are a great improvement over Bradford Pears and Aristocrat Pears," says the writer of Fast Growing Nursery Trees. "You get that perfect, symmetrical oval shape in a much hardier, stronger tree."

Other Advantages

In addition, Cleveland pear trees don't produce fruit or seedpods, so you don't have to clean up after them. The trees withstand rain, ice, snow and pests very well. They grow naturally into a perfect oval shape that requires no pruning.

Planting a Cleveland Pear Tree

Though Cleveland pear trees are tough specimens, you need to plant them properly to give them the best start in life. They retain their tight, compact shape throughout their lives, so they fit well into many landscape situations because they won't sprawl or get leggy.

Dig a hole for your tree that's twice the width but not quite as deep as the root ball. Break up the dirt on the sides of the hole so the roots can gain purchase more easily.

Separate the roots very carefully with your hands and gently set the tree down into the hole. The top of the root ball should stick up above the dirt by about an inch. Position the tree so its best side is showing, and then level it to make sure it's standing up straight in the hole.

Add some dirt to the hole and then water the tree to settle the soil. Keep adding dirt and watering it until the hole is completely filled. Then water the tree thoroughly.

Caring for Your Tree

As the tree establishes itself, continue to water it regularly. Fast Growing Nursery Trees recommends mulching around the tree to hold moisture in, but don't push the mulch up against the trunk.

References

• Stark Brothers Nursery
• Fast Growing Trees Nursery
• Alabama Cooperative Extension

Resources

• USDA Hardiness Zone Map; United States National Arboretum