Ornamental Pear signs of life ?

[Dazed_Lily]

We transplanted an ornamental pear tree in the Fall. It was not a pretty transplant ! Anyway, I did what I could. Just now I walked over and looked at it. There are 'buds' on it--they are grayish and my take is some kind of dormant bud. Is this a sign of life to come or it it something that was on the tree at transplant time(& I just didn't notice because it had leaves on it at the time) and not necessarily indicative of life ? :confused:

[Ann B.]

I have a feeling that you have a living tree, but I am going to depend upon Tom or someone else to answer because Bradfords tend to get big and beautiful here, but are the first to go down during a hurricane.

I simply do not have any. But I have seen my neighbor's Bradford's come and go, and they are gorgeous!

[Tom]

A simple test would be to push one of those buds off and break it open to see if it is alive or not. On some pears there is a grayish bud husk that is shed in the spring when the buds begin to swell. Another test is to scratch a small area on one of the twigs, to see if the cambium layer is still green.

Even if the plant fails these two tests, keep in mind that the Bradford has a good root system, and can tolerate considerable abuse. Do not give up. Leave it until late spring to see if there is any recovery. I have discovered over the years that some plants will very often amaze you with their ability to recover.

I hope you picked a new location that is well away from buildings and other ornamentals. Like Ann said, they just will break and/or split off eventually. Bradford pear has a very short life span, compared to other trees.

[Dazed_Lily]

Will do ! It is now on the front lawn close to the street near a big lamp post . I am actually trying to block the view of my neighbor's pick up truck which he insists on parking right on the propery edge--out of his site but in my site from the bedroom 24 hours a day due to the lamp post. As there are Bradfords lining the opposite side of the street, this one will fit right in.
I did get a Cleveland Select which is suppposed to be less fragile.
Thanks for all the reassurances that this tree has multiple opportunities over the spring to come to life.

[Dazed_Lily]

It's alive !!!!! and....
It has flowers ! :D