Fire Blight vs. Mechanical Damage in Cleveland Bradford Pear

Brown Leaves in June: Two Likely Causes

Bacterial fire blight shows as scattered, scorched-looking twig tips with dark brown to black leaves—the wood underneath is dying. Mechanical trunk injury (mower/string trimmer) causes whole-tree browning if the vascular tissue is girdled.

Inherent Weakness

Cleveland Bradford pears develop weak branches and weak roots as they age. They look great for 3-4 years, then often decline. If the tree is older, structural failure is a real risk.

Action

• If fire blight: prune out infected branches 12 inches below visible damage, sterilizing tools between cuts.
• If trunk damage: protect the base, mulch, and hope for compartmentalization.