FLORENCE, S.C. — How many splintered Bradford pear trees did you see after the wind and storms? I saw five. First, we had a warm winter, then freezing temperatures, and then wind and storms. Extreme variations are tough on any plant. No wonder it is hard to keep plants alive, growing, and thriving in S.C.
Bradford pears are bad about falling apart even if there is not a wind storm. Bradford pear limbs have a tendency to grow upwards making a poor crotch angle, making a weak branch attachment, and pre-disposing the tree to splintering. One of the best ways I can explain this is for you to put your closed fists together to simulate two branches close together. Next, slowly open your fists to simulate the branch growing and getting larger. Finally, as your fists open notice how they push apart simulating the branches splintering.
I hate to say it but this splintering problem has been made worse by a practice called topping encouraged by buyers and preformed by many nurseryman. Young Bradford pears naturally grow in the shape of a football; however, when they get older they naturally have a rounded shape. Homeowners like the rounded shape of older trees and want younger ones that are rounded. Therefore, many nurserymen top the young trees causing them to grow in a rounded shape, like a lollypop on a stick.
You can help to a certain extent to reduce the splintering of Bradford pears, reduce the dangers of limbs falling, and increase the lives of your trees. First of all, if possible buy trees that are not topped. Next, in the early life of a tree prune out upward growing limbs, limbs with weak crotches, and closely spaced limbs. Finally, keep in mind that Bradford pears are prone to splintering, do not plant near houses or cars, and replace dangerous trees.
Also, consider planting other types of trees other than Bradford pears. There are other varieties of Callery pear other than Bradford such as “Cleveland Select” that are not so prone to splintering. However, be careful, all Callery pears produce seed that become awful weed-trees, produce thorns, and take over woodlands. Therefore, I would recommend planting other types of trees, but the type of possible trees is very large so select carefully. The most important thing is to plant the right plant in the right place. Know all you can about the tree, the conditions of your site, and the environment.
To learn more about decorating, gardening and country living watch our Emmy Award winning T.V. program, Making-It-Grow (MIG). MIG can be seen at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday nights on SCETV or on the web at www.mig.org.
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— Tony Melton, Florence County Agent
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