Bradford Pear Sudden Summer Limb Drop in Oklahoma Heat

Bradford pear dropping 4 limbs in a month (mid-branch breaks, not at trunk). 100°F, no rain for 30+ days. Foliage green on fallen limbs.

Diagnosis

Sudden Summer Limb Drop—rare, unpredictable, occurs during hot/dry spells. Breaks mid-limb without warning.

Contributing Factor

"Lion's tailing" (stripping interior foliage, leaving heavy end pom-poms) increases failure risk. If tree was pruned this way, allow interior suckers to regrow for better weight distribution.

Prevention

No guaranteed defense. Maintain balanced canopy with even foliage distribution.