Split Bradford Pear: Why You Should Replace, Not Repair

Assessment

A 15-year-old Bradford pear split during hurricane remnants. While the nursery advises against painting the wound, the expert disagrees with keeping the tree. Bradford pears are prone to repeated splitting; this one already split twice.

Better Alternatives

• Improved pear cultivars: 'Aristocrat', 'Cleveland Select', 'Autumn Blaze'
• Other spring bloomers: 'Autumn Brilliance' serviceberry, 'Forest Pansy' redbud, 'Callaway' flowering crabapple