Aristocrat Pear
All About the Aristocrat Pear Tree
The Aristocrat Pear Tree is a type of tree that is used strictly for its aesthetic value in landscaping, as it does not produce fruit. Unlike its relative the Bradford Pear, this tree can withstand windstorm better. The Bradford Pear has a tendency to uproot and come down during severe windstorms, where the Aristocrat Pear can withstand more wind and storm damage.
At one time the Bradford Pear Tree was one of the most popular landscaping trees in the United States; people loved the appearance of this tree for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in the spring. Today, there are places in the United States where you cannot plant this tree due to its tendency to weaken as it matures, causing branches, as well as the whole tree to come down when beaten by storms.
Over the years, people have attempted to cultivate the Bradford Pear so that its weakness were bred out, most attempts have failed but the Aristocrat Pear Tree appears to be a success, though it is still new so there is no way to know for sure if it will retain its strength long term.
The Aristocrat Pear Tree is not only beautiful, but can be a great shade tree; this tree will grow to a height of anywhere from 35 to 45 feet tall, and obtain a diameter of around 35 feet. The branches on this tree are spaced further apart than those on the Bradford Pear; this was a trait that was specifically bred into the tree in order to make the branches stronger. Another trait of the Aristocrat Pear is that there are no thorns on the branches, which is a nice feature of this tree.
Just like its relatives, the Aristocrat Pear produces a lot of white flowers during the spring, so it is just as beautiful as the Bradford Pear. These flowers are beautiful in appearance, but unfortunately they do not have a pleasant scent like other types of spring blossoms.
Another reason the Aristocrat Pear Tree is prized for a landscaping is its leaves. The leaves of this tree will be a purplish color in the spring but turn a deep, glossy green during the summer months. The fall is when this tree really shines, as the leaves will turn a bright orange and red. Though this tree does not produce fruit for human consumption, it does produce a tiny pea size fruit that birds love.
While the fruit does not really pose a problem for most people who grow this tree, the problem comes from the birds carrying the fruit away and dropping it in other areas. When this happens, trees will begin to grow in areas where they are not naturally part of the landscape. This can lead to it becoming an invasive plant.
Due to the fact that the Aristocrat Pear is still a new species of tree, it is too early to tell if it will have problems in the future. In some areas people do not like the idea of any type of bred pear tree being grown, but if you want to enjoy the beauty of this tree without many of the problems that you find with the Bradford Pear, there is no doubt that the Aristocrat Pear is a great choice. With this tree you get all the beauty of the Bradford, but without all of the danger of weakness and limb breakage.
The Aristocrat Pear Tree can be found in many greenhouse nurseries across the United States, and although it is not likely that you will find any regulations in your area concerning this tree, it is still a good idea to check. Many communities have bans against the Bradford Pear and some of its offshoots.