Bradford pear tree blossom is a beautiful sight to look at until these trees cause damage to your other trees and neighborhood. They are so quick to grow that they can outnumber the plants around them. To protect your native ecosystem and structure, you must learn how to kill a Bradford pear tree.
For instant removal, cutting down the tree is a good choice. Also, poisoning them with herbicide blocks their growth. But you might wonder about which method to choose. Well, let me explore them with the necessary details!
How to Kill a Bradford Pear Tree?
Trimming down the Bradford pear species is not enough to keep it in its shape and lane. They are fast-growing and can spread their roots afar to drain the food available for your beneficial plants.
Hence, you need to kill it to prevent its spread and damage. Here are the methods to remove the Bradford pear tree –
Method-1: Tree Felling
Cutting broadleaf pear trees is not messy as these species grow quite short. You will not need a lot of space or heavy tools to fell the tree. All you have to do is:
Step 1: Take Preparation
Prepare two escape routes around the tree. One route or space for the tree to fall freely. And another one to leave the place safely once the tree starts leaning. Remove all the debris and obstacles around.
If there are power or utility cables around the tree, contact the cable authority or professionals concerned. They will guide you on how to handle the cables before tree felling.
For more safety guidelines, get to see the video:
Step 2: Make Cuts in the Branch
Wear safety gear such as gloves, helmet, and sturdy clothing. Then, use a ladder to reach the branches. Find a swelling joint (as shown in the picture below) that connects the branch limb to the trunk.
This joint is the branch collar. With a hand saw or chainsaw, make undercuts on the branch collar.
Step 3: Make Overcuts
Above the undercut, ensure to make overcut. The cut should be deep enough so that the branch starts ripping off the bark while falling on the ground. Keep removing the larger branches until there are a few left.
Step 4: Cut the Lower Base
Get down on the ground and remove the fallen branch and other woody chips. Then, if you want your tree to fall on the right, go to the left side and make an undercut on the lower trunk using a chainsaw.
While doing so, place the chainsaw at a downward angle. And the depth of the cut should be one–third of the tree trunk. Then, go to the right side, and create an overcut a few inches above the undercut.
Step 5: Stump Killing
Once the tree starts to lean, leave the place immediately. Now, using a half-inch drill bit, start drilling the stump in several places. Then, pour triclopyr solution into the holes, and add mulch over the stump.
Thus, it will speed up the killing process. In a few weeks, the roots and stump will die. So, there is no worry that the pear tree root shoots will sprout.
Method-2: Foliage Spray
It is pretty easy to access the Bradford pear foliage with a sprayer. Because the tree canopy and height are not larger. So, you can poison the leaves to kill them with these steps:
- One hour prior to taking up the task, check the weather news. If it is a clear day, go ahead with the process.
- Add some Triclopyr mix into a back sprayer. Or you can choose any growth regulators that have ethylene and auxin.
- Spread plastic sheeting or tarp around the pear tree to prevent soil contamination.
- Move 4 to 5 feet away from the trunk and start spraying on the leaves.
- After two weeks, repeat the process.
In a few months, the tree leaves will turn pale and wilt. It is a sign that the herbicide has poisoned the roots as well. And gradually, it will rot the tree.
Why Should You Get Rid Of Bradford Pear Trees?
The unwanted growth of Bradford pear trees is irritating, especially if you have planted other trees around. These pear trees are not only invasive but also pose a lot of threats to the surrounding area. And here are the reasons you should get rid of it –
1. Weak Structure
These tree branches have a narrow angle between the branch collar and the trunk. It makes them susceptible to breakage, especially during heavy wind.
If they fall over power cables, it can lead to potential hazards. Also, if you have saplings around, these falling branches can kill them.
2. Disease
Bradford pear is prone to fungal diseases. And before you can diagnose the infection, the tree will spread it to other plants and soil. Also, diseased trees can poison their fruits too. If nothing cures the ailment, you must kill the trees.
You May Also Looking for: How to Kill Black Locust Trees and more Tree removal Guide Here
Conclusion
Bradford pear trees are fast with the damage they cause. Once they are severely diseased or invade the concrete surfaces with their roots, there is no coming back. And if you keep them unkempt, they will outnumber other species before you can search for how to kill a Bradford pear tree.
So, I’d highly suggest killing these trees if you do not have enough space around them. Also, it will balance the ecosystem as varieties of species will grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):
Do Bradford pear trees kill other trees?
If the trees near the Bradford pear species are still young and growing, the pear trees can kill them. Because Bradford tree roots compete for food against the native plants and starve them to death.
Is Glyphosate good for killing Bradford pear trees?
No, glyphosate aids in the growth of fruity trees. So it does not poison the tree. You can use Triclopyr or Auxin–based regulators for better results.
Can cut Bradford pear trees grow back?
As the roots and stump can withstand extreme stress, if they do not rot, they will sprout new trees. So, to eliminate the chance, use excessive herbicide in these units to kill them.