How to Plant a Bradford Pear Tree
The Bradford pear tree, also known as pyrus calleryana, is an ornamental tree that sports abundant white flowers in spring, and bright red and orange foliage in the fall. It produces small, hard fruits that are not meant for human consumption, but are often eaten by birds. Native to China and Korea, the species thrives in zones 5 to 11. It is a speedy, lush grower that bursts into bloom much earlier in the season than other trees. Bradford pear trees grow to 40 feet in height, and have a rather pronounced pyramid, or Hershey's Kiss, shape. Their canopy can spread up to 30 feet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Dig a hole that's big enough to accommodate the root ball of your tree, plus a few feet of additional soil. Loosen and churn the soil to aerate it; if the soil is not rich, or contains clay, add organic material and a bit of sand to maintain good drainage.
-
2
Place your Bradford pear tree into the hole, gently loosening the perimeter roots if they are circling the root ball. Place additional soil under the root ball, or remove soil from under the root ball, to achieve the same soil level on the trunk as it had before planting. Fill in soil to surround the root ball.
-
-
3
Tamp the soil down gently with your foot around the perimeter and water it well. Allow the water to drain. Add more soil if any air pockets leave gaps or indentations in the surrounding soil. Water the added soil lightly.
-
4
Monitor your new tree closely, keeping it moist but not wet. Wait at least two weeks before fertilizing so that the roots have time to overcome transplant stress and get established.
-
1
