Q.Bradford pear tree
Yesterday a large branch broke off of my Bradford pear tree. Read that as they get older they can split and break off. Do you think it is safe to keep and can I trim it now in summer months? It is close to my house.
This looks like a fatal injury to me but only a certified arborist, who can inspect the entire tree and how deep the injury goes, is qualified to answer your question. Repairing the damage here and bracing other at-risk limbs may equal cost of removal. Bradford pears only live 18-25 years before they decline due to old age. Call in a pro if you want to save your tree. Consider replacing, if necessary, with a hybrid pear, Pyrus calleryana, ‘Aristocrat’. Concerning pruning: there are select times of year when pruning is optional or routine. But when there are dead, damaged, diseased or dying branches they should always be removed ASAP as they leave the plant susceptible to infestations/infections.
