Missing information on the Bradford/Callery pear page - Ask Extension
Hello,
I like your pages describing invasive plant species, but it would be great if you added the best method to remove them and dispose of the p...
Knowledgebase
Missing information on the Bradford/Callery pear page #871291
Asked June 03, 2024, 12:14 PM EDT
Hello,
I like your pages describing invasive plant species, but it would be great if you added the best method to remove them and dispose of the parts. I have a young Bradford pear tree which I can easily cut down. Will that be sufficient? Do I toss the pieces in garden bags for pickup? What about for others who might have much older, larger trees? What is the best way to remove and dispose of them? Please include best time of year, too, and what to do in the meantime, like prune branches that show berries for example, and how to dispose of those.
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
The "Controlling" section of our page does link to other sites where specific options for removal and management of invasive pear trees is included. We don't go into specifics of herbicide options as regulations may vary and formulations of particular brands can also change over time. A systemic herbicide application to the foliage (if a sapling and easy to reach) or the fresh-cut stump (or basal bark) tends to involve either glyphosate or triclopyr as the main active ingredient. Regardless of how it's removed, wood and other debris from pear trees don't need special treatment; they can go into landfill or yard waste collection streams. Wood chips from larger trees cut down can be used as mulch or material to add to a compost pile.
Pruning individual branches with berries off isn't practical for any tree larger than about ten feet high, as they won't be easy to reach, or reach safely. Small trees can just be cut down entirely, and large trees should be cut down by a professional. Time of year won't matter much when the trees are being removed; before seed maturity would be ideal, but these trees are so abundant that other seedlings could still recolonize an area from other mature trees even if the seed source on the tree in question is eliminated.
If you cut your tree down yourself, since it sounds like it's small enough to do so, be aware that it might sucker a few times. This is the growth of new stems arising directly from the root system or stump, but their management is simple. Either treat them with systemic herbicide (following product label directions) or cut them down as soon as they appear. By vigilantly keeping an eye out for sucker regrowth and removing them promptly, the energy left in the root system can be exhausted and the tree's roots will die out without having to use herbicide, if that is your preference. How long that process takes to be completely successful and have regrowth cease is hard to predict, but for well-established and vigorous species like Callery Pear, it might be most of a growing season.
Miri
Pruning individual branches with berries off isn't practical for any tree larger than about ten feet high, as they won't be easy to reach, or reach safely. Small trees can just be cut down entirely, and large trees should be cut down by a professional. Time of year won't matter much when the trees are being removed; before seed maturity would be ideal, but these trees are so abundant that other seedlings could still recolonize an area from other mature trees even if the seed source on the tree in question is eliminated.
If you cut your tree down yourself, since it sounds like it's small enough to do so, be aware that it might sucker a few times. This is the growth of new stems arising directly from the root system or stump, but their management is simple. Either treat them with systemic herbicide (following product label directions) or cut them down as soon as they appear. By vigilantly keeping an eye out for sucker regrowth and removing them promptly, the energy left in the root system can be exhausted and the tree's roots will die out without having to use herbicide, if that is your preference. How long that process takes to be completely successful and have regrowth cease is hard to predict, but for well-established and vigorous species like Callery Pear, it might be most of a growing season.
Miri
