Bradford Pear Tree vs. Cleveland Pear Tree: What’s the Difference?

Bradford pear and Cleveland pear trees are popular ornamental trees known for their showy blooms and attractive foliage. While they share some similarities, there are also key differences between these two species. This article provides an in-depth overview of both trees, including their characteristics, origins, advantages, disadvantages, and key distinctions.

Overview of Pear Trees

Pear trees (Pyrus spp.) are deciduous trees belonging to the Rosaceae family. They are characterized by their alternate, simple leaves, white or pink flowers, and fleshy fruit. Pear trees prefer well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and moderate watering. Their lifespan typically ranges from 20 to 50 years.

Bradford Pear Tree

Description

The Bradford pear tree (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is a medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 30-50 feet. It has a narrow, upright form with a dense, pyramidal crown. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall.

Origins and History

The Bradford pear tree is a cultivar of the Callery pear, which is native to China and Vietnam. It was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and quickly gained popularity as an ornamental tree due to its fast growth and abundant flowers.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Fast growth rate
    • Abundant white flowers in spring
    • Tolerant of urban conditions
    • Low maintenance
  • Cons:
    • Weak wood, susceptible to storm damage
    • Short lifespan
    • Invasive in some areas

Cultivars

  • Aristocrat
  • Chanticleer
  • Cleveland Select

Cleveland Pear Tree

Description

The Cleveland pear tree (Pyrus calleryana ‘Cleveland Select’) is a medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 30-40 feet. It has a more compact, oval shape than the Bradford pear, with a dense, symmetrical crown. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and turn bright yellow in the fall.

Origins and History

The Cleveland pear tree is an improved cultivar of the Bradford pear that was developed in the 1960s. It was bred to address the problems of weak wood and storm damage associated with the Bradford pear.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Strong wood, resistant to storm damage
    • Attractive oval shape
    • Tolerant of urban conditions
    • Low maintenance
  • Cons:
    • Shorter lifespan than other pear trees
    • Can be susceptible to pests and diseases

Cultivars

  • None

Key Differences between Bradford Pear and Cleveland Pear

Appearance

  • Size: Bradford pear trees are typically larger than Cleveland pear trees.
  • Shape: Bradford pear trees have a narrow, upright form, while Cleveland pear trees have a more compact, oval shape.
  • Foliage: Both trees have glossy, dark green leaves, but Cleveland pear trees turn bright yellow in the fall, while Bradford pear trees turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Growth Habit

  • Growth Rate: Bradford pear trees grow faster than Cleveland pear trees.
  • Form: Bradford pear trees have a dense, pyramidal crown, while Cleveland pear trees have a more symmetrical crown.

Strength and Durability

  • Wood Strength: Cleveland pear trees have stronger wood than Bradford pear trees, making them more resistant to storm damage.
  • Lifespan: Cleveland pear trees have a shorter lifespan than other pear trees, but they typically live longer than Bradford pear trees.

Other Factors

  • Invasive Potential: Bradford pear trees are considered invasive in some areas, while Cleveland pear trees are not.
  • Flowering: Both trees produce abundant white flowers in spring, but Bradford pear flowers have an unpleasant odor.
  • Fruit: Both trees produce small, inedible fruit.

Conclusion

Bradford pear and Cleveland pear trees are both popular ornamental trees with their own unique characteristics. Bradford pear trees are known for their fast growth and abundant flowers, but they have weak wood and a short lifespan. Cleveland pear trees have stronger wood, a more compact shape, and a longer lifespan, making them a more desirable choice for many homeowners. When selecting a pear tree, it is important to consider the size, shape, and desired lifespan of the tree, as well as its suitability for the local climate and soil conditions.

Sources

FAQs

;What is the difference between a Bradford pear tree and a Cleveland pear tree?

;

Bradford pear trees are known for their fast growth and abundant flowers, but they have weak wood and a short lifespan. Cleveland pear trees have stronger wood, a more compact shape, and a longer lifespan, making them a more desirable choice for many homeowners.

;Which pear tree is better, Bradford or Cleveland?

;

Cleveland pear trees are generally considered to be better than Bradford pear trees. They have stronger wood, a more compact shape, and a longer lifespan. Additionally, Cleveland pear trees are not as invasive as Bradford pear trees.

;Are Bradford pear trees invasive?

;

Yes, Bradford pear trees are considered invasive in some areas. They can spread quickly and crowd out native vegetation.

;Do Cleveland pear trees have weak wood?

;

No, Cleveland pear trees have strong wood, making them more resistant to storm damage than Bradford pear trees.

;How long do Bradford pear trees live?

;

Bradford pear trees typically live for 15-25 years.

;How long do Cleveland pear trees live?

;

Cleveland pear trees typically live for 25-35 years.

;How tall do Bradford pear trees grow?

;

Bradford pear trees typically grow to a height of 30-50 feet.

;How tall do Cleveland pear trees grow?

;

Cleveland pear trees typically grow to a height of 30-40 feet.

;What shape are Bradford pear trees?

;

Bradford pear trees have a narrow, upright form with a dense, pyramidal crown.

;What shape are Cleveland pear trees?

;

Cleveland pear trees have a more compact, oval shape with a dense, symmetrical crown.

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