Question about my Bradford Pear Tree - Ask Extension
Hi again. As I said in my previous email about milkweed, I am taking the Master Gardening course and just read that my Bradford Pear Tree can//will th...
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Question about my Bradford Pear Tree #892485
Asked February 10, 2025, 5:35 AM EST
Hi again. As I said in my previous email about milkweed, I am taking the Master Gardening course and just read that my Bradford Pear Tree can//will threaten my milkweed plants. It currently has been growing in my front yard right next to my Holly tree for the past 25 years. Both are about 50 feet high-in my estimation --they are well over the height of my 2 story house. My question is this...should I have my Bradford cut down? I am very concerned about this because I realize after 25 years the root system of both trees have interconnected and perhaps formed a symbiosis and, maybe, should just be allowed to exist with me knowing never to plant one again? Your advice?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Barbara and thanks not only taking on becoming a Master Gardener but for your questions too!
You actually can help us out.... we think we may be having a computer glitch issue, and maybe you didn't receive our answer re: your holly/Bradford pear growing together that we answered on February 3rd.
Could you let us know if you got that (please check your spam folder too)?
The answer was:
"You are not alone with the planting of ornamental pears. They can be lovely and were widely planted for many years.... we just didn't know what we didn't know.
We'd suggest having the Bradford Pear professionally removed - carefully so that the Holly limbs are not damaged too much. You'd want to make sure whomever you hire is aware of your plan to keep the holly, and we wouldn't have them grind the root/trunk area. For any part of the pear that re-sprouts you could continually cut off or carefully treat the leaves with a non-selective systemic herbicide.
The holly will undoubtedly look thin and scraggly in some areas that were shaded by the pear, but they can fill in over time and can be pruned/shaped if needed.
We are so glad that you are learning and enjoying your horticulture coursework!
Christine"
Thanks for your help.
C.
You actually can help us out.... we think we may be having a computer glitch issue, and maybe you didn't receive our answer re: your holly/Bradford pear growing together that we answered on February 3rd.
Could you let us know if you got that (please check your spam folder too)?
The answer was:
"You are not alone with the planting of ornamental pears. They can be lovely and were widely planted for many years.... we just didn't know what we didn't know.
We'd suggest having the Bradford Pear professionally removed - carefully so that the Holly limbs are not damaged too much. You'd want to make sure whomever you hire is aware of your plan to keep the holly, and we wouldn't have them grind the root/trunk area. For any part of the pear that re-sprouts you could continually cut off or carefully treat the leaves with a non-selective systemic herbicide.
The holly will undoubtedly look thin and scraggly in some areas that were shaded by the pear, but they can fill in over time and can be pruned/shaped if needed.
We are so glad that you are learning and enjoying your horticulture coursework!
Christine"
Thanks for your help.
C.
