Bradford Pear Suckers Persist After Removal: Switch Species

Two Bradford pears in Buffalo, NY cut down after storm damage. Suckers 10–15 ft from stumps ruined lawn. Stumps ground, but suckers persist. Nurseries suggest Cleveland Select or Red Spire as non-suckering alternatives.

Sucker Control

• Wipe sprouts with glyphosate on a rag (protects grass).
• Repeat until root reserves exhausted.

Replacement Advice

Avoid all ornamental pears—branch structure fails in storms as they mature. Consult a local nursery for a tree matching your desires (flowers, fall color, shade) that's adapted to WNY.