Alternative to Bradford Pear

[jaytee]

Back in Jan. we had a hugh ice storm and LOTS of damage. Seems like the trees that faired the worst were the elms and bradford pears. Someone was telling me of a "new" or different strain of pear tree that was much more resistive to wind/ice damage then the bradfords that EVERYONE seems to have planted. Would this be the Cleveland pear tree or another variety? Any suggestions on a nice uniform shaped tree that is strong and doesn't get much over 20 to 25 feet tall? Thanks for the replys!!

 

[Fordman99]

The Chanticleer pear is a good alternative,holds up to wind and ice better than a Bradford.

 

[Dadatwins]

The clevlend select has a more narrow profile than the bradford. They are not as suspect to the breaking apart that many bradford deal with.
As an alternative if you are not interested in the flowers but looking for something with a similiar shape and very strong wood American Hornbeam makes a nice choice.

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/index_tree.cfm?id=25