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Tips on Planting Bradford Pear Trees
'Bradford' pear trees transplant easily and grow fast, although there are several factors to consider before planting them.
Showy, versatile ‘Bradford’ pear trees (Pyrus calleryana ‘Brandford’) provide year-round color with their delicate white flowers and brilliant autumn foliage, which ranges in color from scarlet to maroon. They transplant easily and establish quickly, making them a boon for yards that need shade fast. There are several drawbacks about planting ‘Bradford’ pears, however, such as their invasive potential, allergenic properties and short lifespan.
Growing Conditions
‘Bradford’ pear trees grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, where they are planted as a specimen, shade or screening tree. Despite their beauty and adaptability, they must be positioned very carefully in the landscape to minimize their many liabilities. Plant them in a location with the following:
Full sun. ‘Bradford’ pears will tolerate light shade, but avoid areas with deep shade.
Low-to-moderate fertility soil. Avoid areas with organically rich or heavily amended soil.
Fast drainage. Choose a site where rain soaks in or drains away within an hour or two.
‘Bradford’ pear trees possess a shallow root system that can cause damage to structures and walkways, so plant them at least 15 feet away from structures, septic systems and underground utilities. Also, keep them away from roads and walkways to minimize the mess caused by their fruit litter and to prevent hazards from dropped branches, which they are prone to do after 15 to 20 years.
Tip
Plant ‘Bradford’ pear trees away from windows, porches and patios to minimize contact with their pollen and intensely fragrant flowers.
Planting Information
‘Bradford’ pear trees need very little coddling or special treatment at planting, although knowing when and how to plant them will allow them to live a longer, more productive life.
Things You'll Need
Tiller
Shovel
Garden hose
Mulch
Step 1
Plant 'Bradford' pear trees in autumn in climates with mild winters and in spring after the last frost in cold climates with harsh winters. Prepare the chosen site two weeks before planting by tilling the soil and removing any weeds in a 6-foot radius. Water the site to a 12-inch depth to settle the soil.
Step 2
Dig a planting hole that is 2 inches shallower than the ‘Bradford’ pears’ original nursery pot. Make the hole twice the width of the tree’s rootball if the soil drains well and is of good quality. If the soil is compacted, make the hole three to four times as wide.
Step 3
Remove the tree from its pot or burlap and spread the roots along the bottom of the hole. Have a helper hold the tree upright in the hole to ensure straight, sturdy growth.
Step 4
Backfill over the rootball with unamended, unfertilized soil. If planting a potted ‘Bradford’ pear, cover the top of the rootball very lightly with soil, leaving the fine top roots slightly exposed. Do not tamp the soil.
Step 5
Water to a 12- to 15-inch depth after planting to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch in a 6-foot radius around the base of the tree to keep weeds at bay and to protect the roots. Leave a 3-inch gap between the mulch layer and the tree.
Tip
Replace the mulch each year to maintain a weed-free area beneath the canopy and to discourage any unwanted seedlings that might pop up.
Care Tips
‘Bradford’ pears grow rapidly, with some putting on 24 to 36 inches of height each year. Generally, they need little hands-on care and will reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet with little more than weekly watering to a 12-inch depth during their first year in the ground. When it comes to raising a healthy, attractive ‘Bradford’ pear, it’s more important to understand what not to do.
Do not mow directly beneath the canopy. ‘Bradford’ pears possess a very shallow root system that is easily harmed by mowers, especially during their first year or so in the ground.
Avoid fertilizer. Fast growth means weak growth, which is already a problem for ‘Bradford’ pear trees. Do not apply fertilizer beneath the tree’s canopy because it could cause spindly growth as well as suckers.
Warning
‘Bradford’ pear trees self-sow and can become invasive within their preferred USDA hardiness zone range. They are listed as an Invasive Plant Pest Species in South Carolina.
