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The Ornamental Pear, will not normally fruit unless planted near other selections of the Callery pear, excluding the Bradford, or such rarely used species as the Manchurian and Forostovsky. The fruit when it does occur is small, round and russet colored. They are inedible and remain on the tree until eaten by birds or until they disintegrate. The non-littering characteristic of this pear tree is one of its good qualities.
This pear is said to thrive under a wide range of soil, moisture, and climatic conditions and it is said to grow well along the Pacific coast. The tree grows well in its early years given proper amounts of water and fertilizer, a tree can reach a height of 12 feet in 4 years. In about 50 years when the tree has reached maturity, it may be as high as 50 feet and as wide as 30 feet.

For success in growing the Bradford pear the USDA says: Buy a Bradford that is budded or grafted to a Callery pear rootstock; prepare the planting hole properly, 2 feet larger than the root-ball, and be sure the planting site is well drained. Maintain a mulch around the tree the first year; Water frequently during dry weather, especially the first 3 years; Protect the bark from mechanical injury; Prevent sunscald by keeping the truck wrapped the first 2 years with strips of burlap or paper that have been impregnated with fungicide. These wrapping strips are available at most nurseries and garden shops.

The Bradford pear is one of the earliest trees to bloom in the spring. First blossoming of newly planted trees depends on their growth and vigor. If trees are healthy they will normally produce scattered blossoms the first or second year after planning. By the third or fourth year, most will bloom profusely, with blossoms appearing in clusters of 10 or 12. Blossoms are off white, non-fragrant, and are borne on short spurs.

The leaves appear just as the flowers start falling. They are glossy green, thick, and broadly oval. Their wavy margins cause them to flutter in the wind. In the fall the Bradford pear is said to be at its best in areas where early frosts bring about changes in color of the leaves the foliage then takes on deep blues of purplish red and as the season progresses, the early color gives way to crimson.

The Bradford pear was released for commercial use by the Department of Agriculture in 1980, and has been distributed to nurseries in 15 states from New York to California. Early fall is the best time to plant the Bradford as roots will develop over the winter. It is best to buy a balled and burlapped Bradford that is more than 2 years old. Keep the roots moist until planted and keep the soil mulched. No diseases and few insects are known to attack the Bradford pear.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1986-03-01/Dwarf-Trees-Fruit-Nuts.aspx

Published by Lee Rinehart