Annie,

You're not from around Hillsbrough are you? I've seen many a Bradford with a
lot of branches down, but none like what I've seen at a church on
hwy86...about 5 of them that, like you said, looked like they were blown
apart with TNT! These trees seem to do fine, until they get larger. Then
there's no telling what they'll do.

Bill, in a previous post, states that oaks loose limbs also. I agree, but
not to the extent of the Bradfords! We may not be around to see the fruits
of our labors, but our children will. Let's not always be in such a hurry
for results, or so selfless in that we neglect the future for the sake of a
quick fix!

I don't mean to rant, it's just that I'm not thrilled with the thought that
everyone plants these genetically modified (not I'm not anti-GMO) trees, and
they last on average only about 10 years. They have a definite beauty, but
lack resiliancy!

OK...I'm ready to be slammed now...(be gentle).

Scott


"Anne Lurie" wrote in message
om...
Scott,

I found your description of Bradford Pears (below) interesting, as my
neighbor asked if I'd seen the remnants of a line of them that looked as
though someone had used TNT on them! Interestingly, my Bradford Pear
seemed
to come through fine, even though its silhouette was a little "wedgy" in
the
middle at first. (It probably benefited -- just this once -- from
being
*way* too close to 4 Leyland Cypress, which are themselves under pine
trees.)

The pines in the "woods" area of my property took a beating, but the lone
pine tree by itself in the middle of the yard actually righted itself --
I
thought it was a goner, because the top of the tree was bent over on the
ground.

And then, of course, there's my neighbor's "widowmaker" -- species
unknown, but it has broken limbs ready to take out the power line to my
house or the one to his, or both! I don't know if the tree was *ever*
remotely attractive, but it's really, really ugly now! The owner bought a
"fixer-upper" and has sought our advice on many other homeowning &
landscaping issues, so I think he'll listen to reason -- especially if
he
gets a really good look at the branches that "bulged/split" near the
trunk.

Anne Lurie
NE Raleigh

nospam.mindspring.com wrote in message
...
I think nature is telling us something about the Bradford Pears that
seemed
to virtualy EXPLODE from the storm. I've always known that they were
trouble; the way limbs seemed to peel off after any small storm. You
guys
are right on track when you mention planting Oaks and the like. Keep
with
the tried a true...

Scott
"ncstockguy" wrote in message
om...
Anyone see a pattern to which trees seemed to hold up the best in the
ice storm?
Our sweetgums and long leaf pines lost a lot of branches. Am now
wondering if there are some good evergreen trees that are stronger
under the weight of ice, but still do well in our hot summer climate?