Without a picture, it's impossible to give you specific meaningful advice. But, since you said it was a Bradford, I can recommend pruning it at ground level followed by an immediate dose of glyphosate (RoundUp) to the freshly cut stump. You'll find that most of us view Bradford pears similar to the way we view toxic waste dumps; we don't like 'em!

This post was edited by brandon7 on Sun, Apr 14, 13 at 19:00

What brandon said.

Do yourself a favor and just cut them all down, their living on borrowed time. Then come back to us and ask us for tree suggestions.

From the other side:

Bradford pear are quite susceptible to damage and do not live long. Once damaged, it is easier to remove them and replace them. They are relatively fast growing so it is not long before the size and flowers are returning your investment.

However there are many Bardford Pears that are about 15 years old in our area. They are relative large well shaped and have had flowers for the last several weeks They really make an impression when you have several of the large white trees in your yard. .

Bradford pears suck no matter what. They have stinky flowers and fruit. The fruit is messy, branches are brittle and they are very prone to damage. If you prune them they look ugly and are something get really unsightly to look at. Dogwoods redbuds Kwanzan yoshino and other flowering trees are better. If any flowering tree says "-------" and pear tree at the end then don't buy them only if its an actual pear tree that gives fruit

Interesting problem.

FWIW when I see the hated Bradfords split apart usually the rest of the tree does quite well. Any chance of a picture of the wound or problem area?

I know these trees are not well liked among most, however I do like them. Around our area they are beautiful. The one we are having difficulty with is in the middle of a group of four so we would like to try and save it. I value and appreciate your personal opinion as I hope u do mine. Maybe I am wrong in the type of tree (i am not a professional) but will try and follow up with a photo soon

This post was edited by dpowell on Sun, Apr 14, 13 at 22:28

I like them as long as they are on someone else's private (not public) property and they won't fall on anything belonging to me or my family-friends.

"I like them as long as they are on someone else's private (not public) property and they won't fall on anything belonging to me or my family-friends."

On someone else's property today...on yours tomorrow. These trees are a significant environmentally damaging agent (invasive) in a good percentage of the US.

Again, I will try and post a pic of it soon. Although I am asking once the photo is posted if anyone might have another alternative to (their personal opinion) of chopping it down. Again, I appreciate your opinion but am requesting someone who might actually know what might be wrong or another suggestion.

dpowell ...

I don't think that you can fix a tree that is half-dead.

Replacing it is the best option.

dpowell, I agree that not much has been done to answer your question. This crowd gets on the soap box when it comes to these pears, lol. There's really not much good we can say about the trees, sad to say. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be educated about what happened to your particular specimen.

I would like to see some pictures. But right off the bat, I can tell you that what might appear to be a 'slight' injury to a tree, might actually have resulted in significant internal damage or the introduction of disease.

I have been trying to upload a photo for the last two days but it will not upload. Not sure why. I am going to try again today. If it doesn't work I can email. Will follow up

do not email it to me.. but what process are you trying.. GW?? photobucket???

give us some facts .... and maybe we can lead you ...

ken

I am actually just trying to upload the photo on the "post a follow up" from a camera card. I also attempted to do it from a phone picture as well. When I hit "preview message" the image to upload link just disappears. I contacted tech support but haven't heard anything back.
However, when I write a regular message without any upload I can preview it and submit it.

I am actually just trying to upload the photo on the "post a follow up" from a camera card. I also attempted to do it from a phone picture as well. When I hit "preview message" the image to upload link just disappears. I contacted tech support but haven't heard anything back.
However, when I write a regular message without any upload I can preview it and submit it.

You need a hosting site like photobucket et al

This is the second complaint of non uploading pics I have read. This is me trying to post a pic with my neighbor's broken Bradford in the distance.

Shows up for me. Perhaps it is a newer account thing.

I posted from my Android phone.

Try photobucket if gardenweb keeps giving ya issues.