What is the difference between a cleveland and a bradford pear tree?
The ornamental pear tree is native to Korea and Japan and is one of the most popular ornamental trees.The tree has year-round beauty that contributes to its popularity.The Cleveland pear is one of two varieties of Pyrus calleryana.The few differences between the two are significant.
The pear has a height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet.It has an erect canopy.The Cleveland pear is 30 to 40 feet high and 15 feet wide at maturity.It has an attractive pyramidal form and is more upright than the Bradford pear.It's an ideal size for small to medium yards.
The branch structure of the Bradford pear is flawed.The angles between the branches are too narrow.The point of attachment to the trunk weakens as the branches increase in size.High winds, ice and snow can cause limbs to fall to the ground and split the tree in two.The Cleveland pear's branches are closer together.In severe weather, the Cleveland holds up better.
The Bradford and Cleveland pear are in bloom.The smell of the white flowers can be offensive.The Cleveland tends to bloom more often.Each tree has bright green leaves that shade you from the sun in the summer.The two trees give fall leaf colors of red, orange and purple, but the Bradford is the more vibrant of the two.
There are a variety of growing conditions for the Bradford and Cleveland pears.The Cleveland pear can be found in USDA Zones 4 to 8.The Bradford pear is more hardy to Zone 5 than Zone 4.Both trees prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil, but will tolerate poor soils, clay soils and soils of various acidity and alkalinity.They are resistant to disease.