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Bradford Pear Blooms

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From: Ernest Capell City: Waxhaw, NC
My neighbor and I have several Bradford Pear trees growing along our property frontage on an unpaved road. Our trees do not have the density of blooms that other Bradford trees in the neighborhood display. We have had a shortage of rain this year and wonder if the dust from the road that settles on the trees is the cause for the lack of full bloom. Is this a valid assumption? What other causes might be present?s Thanks
	Extension Message From: James Schuster Horticulturist and Plant Pathologist (Retired) schuster@illinois.edu
Dust probably is the least likely reason for few flowers. A plant's age is a factor, too much fertilizer is another, cold injury to the flower bud is another reason, pruning can be a factor too. Drought in one year can affect the number of flowers the next year. Diseases should also be considered. You should also know that when this tree gets about 25 years old or older, it will begin to brak apart. The tree has very narrow branch crotches so they are weak and break easily in high winds or under heavy snow and ice loads.
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