Bradford Pear Tree

February 18, 2024Last Updated: February 18, 2024

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Admirers are won over by Bradford pear trees (Pyrus calleryana), which produce a stunning display of millions of snow-white flowers in the spring and fiery foliage in the fall. However, even the most devoted admirers have come to understand that Bradfords are unwanted landscape trees, and several states are currently considering outlawing them due to their invasive ways. Naturally, this begs the following query: what would be a suitable Bradford pear tree substitute?

Don’t worry if this is your question; we’ve got you covered. Continue reading for a lengthy list of top-notch Bradford pear substitutes.

Replacement Pear Tree in Bradford

Keeping these things in mind when you prepare to remove your invasive Bradford pear tree will help you avoid regrets:

The fragrance of Bradford pear blossoms is not up to par with their exquisite flowers. They actually have a horrible odor.
The short spring flower show and the summertime lack of interest and ecological benefits for wildlife are the only things the trees have to offer.
All Callery pears, even the well-known cultivar Bradford, have brittle branches that break easily in strong winds or during ice storms.
These pears are highly invasive due to their unique cross-breeding habits.

Choosing different trees makes a lot of sense in light of these problems. Since it will be unlawful to sell, plant, or grow any Callery pear cultivars as of January 1, 2023, you will actually need to do so in Ohio and a few other states.

Selecting an Equivalent to Bradford Pear

There are plenty of excellent options if you’re searching for the ideal tree to take the place of Bradford pears. A lot of homeowners wish to discover another white blossom tree. These are six excellent options:

Amelanchier spp., or serviceberry, is a fantastic substitute for Bradford pears that provides interest for four seasons in the backyard, starting with white spring blossoms around the time Bradford blooms. However, serviceberry also has lovely blue-green foliage that turns brilliant red and gold in the fall.
Tree lilac (Syringa reticulata): This Japanese tree, which is not native to the United States, can reach a height of 30 feet (9 meters) and features an oval crown along with creamy white flowers that draw pollinators. The lenticels are prominent and the bark has an elegant mahogany shade. To top it off, the tree lilac requires very little maintenance and is incredibly tolerant of growing conditions.
See this native variety of the usually purple Eastern redbud, the White Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba). With a rounded form and pea-like white flowers in spring before the leaves open, it can reach a height of up to 25 feet (7.6 meters). The redbud’s heart-shaped leaves are a beautiful addition, and the blooms are followed by eye-catching seed pods.
Another four-season favorite is Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), which has intriguing peeling bark, pretty pink fruit, and mid-season white blossoms. The large white petals on the flowers are actually bracts surrounding the actual flowers in the center. The red, berry-like fruit is produced by these real flowers. Wildlife visits for these durable treats.
The white crabapple (Malus spp.) is one of the most versatile varieties; you can select the size, color, timing, and form of the blossoms. The fruit isn’t as sweet as real apples, but the floral display is sure to draw attention.
Magnolia virginiana, also known as the Sweet Bay Magnolia, is a small native tree that can reach a height of 25 feet (7.6 meters) and is often planted in moist areas. The long, glossy, dark leaves of the magnolia tree have a silvery underside, and its ivory blossoms have about twelve delicately fragrant lemon petals. The fruits have eye-catching red seeds that stand out on their own.