Bradford Pear Diseases
The Bradford pear tree is one of the four varieties of flowering, non-fruit bearing pear trees. These pear-shaped beauties reward gardeners with their lovely white spring blooms and fall color. However, this fast growing tree has a naturally short life span, and can suffer from two diseases that can shorten its lifespan even more. Does this Spark an idea?
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Lifespan
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The thin bark of the Bradford pear tree can cause structural problems because of the overabundance of branches that naturally grow from its center. Without consistent, careful pruning, beginning soon after planting, the Bradford pear will begin to deteriorate at around 15 years of age. Even with the best, most conscientious care, this tree will begin to deteriorate after about 20 years.
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Leaf Scorch
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Leaf scorch is a disease that occurs when the top of the Bradford pear tree doesn't receive enough water, has inadequate drainage or receives an injury to its roots. The tips and veins of the leaves may begin to yellow or the leaves may simply turn black or brown, and then die. Advanced leaf scorch will lead to the death of twigs and branches.
Leaf scorch is most prevalent within two or three years after the tree has been planted. Proper fertilization, adequate water and pruning of dead or dying branches are the best methods of managing leaf scorch.
Fire Blight
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This disease starts at the end of the tree's twigs and advances toward the primary branches. This infection causes leaves and flowers to turn brown and die, but they remain attached to the tree. If left unchecked, the disease may damage or kill the tree. Fire blight usually appears during the summer and fall, when the tree is blooming. Infected trees should be pruned by cutting about a foot from the affected area. A streptomycin-based chemical treatment may be necessary in severe cases of fire blight.
Weather-Related Injuries
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Due to the structure of the tree, Bradford pears are vulnerable to strong winds and icy or snowy conditions. Its narrow branches tend to grow in dense, crowded clusters which, when not properly tended, cause the tree to give way to broken limbs. In severe weather, the bark may actually split itself in two.
Thinning crowded branches is the best deterrence to this problem; however, Bradford pear trees planted in northern states, where snow and ice are commonplace, are prone to weather-related injuries.
Prevention/Solutions
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Bradford pear trees grow best in full sun and require good drainage. Two or three weeks after planting, fertilize the tree with a low nitrogen fertilizer, as this will restrict too-rapid growth. Prune branches that are growing at odd angles. Allow about 15 inches between small branches and prevent branches from growing closer than 6 inches of a heavy branch.
The Bradford pear is not drought tolerant and will need water during excessively dry periods; however, the tree will suffer if allowed to exist in standing water for long periods.
Regular pruning, fertilization in the fall and spring, adequate access to water and proper irrigation will provide the Bradford pear tree its best prospect for a healthy life.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lee Coursey
