Bradford Pears are known and most recently renowned in the Southeast for being a "bad tree" and there are many reasons for this unsavory reputation. If you have a Bradford Pear, don't worry, we offer insights to monitoring and tending to it, and enjoying it while you can, after all they only live 20-25 years because of their structure and tendency to break.
Some opinions are harsh regarding Bradford Pears. The Richmond Tree Stewards out of Virginia sum it up as such, "The Bradford Pear is an invasive, non-native species out-competing our native trees, has poor branch structure and break easily, is not a host to native birds and butterflies, and smells like rotting flesh."
Bradford Pears are dangerous, not only for breaking and causing damage in rain or shine, but because they cross-pollinate with other trees and spawn at a rapid rate. In 1964 they were introduced to the U.S. from China as a potential source of resistance to fireblight, which was then threatening the commercial pear production industry. When they cross-pollinate, the offspring revert to the ancient Chinese Callery Pears which produce thorny thickets that choke the life out of native trees. In turn, it's important to monitor the offspring and keep them from growing too large to handle.
When a Bradford Pear is about to break, you can usually easily see the split in the canopy as reflected in the photo below. It is best to trim and reduce the tree limbs every few years to prevent breaking when possible.
And be sure not to set up playground equipment or outdoor seating under a Bradford Pear as their tendency to break is not isolated to stormy weather.
If you are considering removing a Bradford Pear, you will want to grind the stump as well.
A few good options to plant in the place of the Bradford pear are Natchez Crepe Myrtles, Maples, Japanese Magnolias, Cherry Trees, Flowering Apricots, Serviceberry, Witch Hazel, Redbud, Carolina Silverbell, sourwood, and Japanese Maple.
We also linked this article from Durant Ashmore of the Greenville News with more insights and Alternatives to Bradford Pear Trees.