I have just lost a very large Bradford pear tree at the corner of my deck and would like suggestions for a replacement. The Bradford variety lacks a central leader and has narrow crotch angles that make it susceptible to wind damage. The tree often splits during severe storms. In early spring, infected blossoms and leaves suddenly shrivel, turn blackish brown and die. Young twigs wilt from the tips back, appearing black and twisted as though they have been burned.
Bark turns dark brown to purplelike.
There are controls but usually fireblight spreads like wildfire. When buying any plant, always look for disease-resistant varieties.