Two Bradford Pear Trees Have Leaves That Haven’t Looked Normal…
Bonnie Asked
Two Bradford pear trees have leaves that haven’t looked normal all year. The bark was opening up so I sprayed for bores a few weeks ago. Friday, I pulled some of the loose bark from the tree thinking I would see where the bores had been, but it isn’t bores. There are long tunnel-looking places up and down the tree. It doesn’t look like an insect has been there, but I have no idea what is happening. Can you give me any advice?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Bonnie: Ornamental pear trees are delightful when they bloom in the spring. The most common problem with Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is normally more structural than insect or disease related. They are fast-growing trees and tend to be short-lived, usually due to splitting during wind/ice storms because of their growth habit. They are, however, susceptible to a few different insect and disease problems. Brown foliage can be a symptom of root injury or stress related to uneven moisture levels. Too much moisture or not enough has the same physical appearance. Fireblight can also be a problem with these ornamental pear trees. This is a bacterial disease that is more common during periods of high temperature and excessive rainfall. The foliage turns black on the new growth and does not cause die back. A good indication of this is a shepherd’s hook appearance at the end of the tip. From what you have described it does sound like your ornamental pear has either a borer or beetle problem, and depending on the stage of their life cycle you may not see the actual culprit. The tunnels were certainly made by an insect but without being able to see your tree, I cannot say for certain exactly what caused this damage. It really would be best to have a certified arborist come out and take a look at your tree. Typically when we see insect damage on plants it is a direct correlation with the plant, or tree in your case, not being healthy to begin with. Insects are drawn to plant material that is stressed. This is another good reason to have someone come out to look at your tree to see if it is worth treating. You can contact your Cooperative Extension Service for local recommendations on certified arborists in your area.
