'Chanticleer' — Improvement on Bradford Pear Trees

When I'm out driving around on the roads of New England this time of year, I can't help but feel a sense of loss. The glorious maples have mainly shed their leaves, leaving the landscape looking rather naked. You can understand my glee, then, when I recently encountered a boulevard lined with trees bearing colorful foliage. And what were these trees that saved me from the late autumn blues? The much-maligned Bradford pear trees.

Bradford pear trees have fallen somewhat out of favor, because they succumb too easily to limb damage in the face of high winds. Are you eager to experience the good qualities of 'Bradford' pear trees, such as their fall foliage color, without the downside? On About's Forestry blog, Steve Nix recently discussed 'Chanticleer,' the recommended alternative to 'Bradford' pear trees. Steve reminded us that, in fact, 'Chanticleer' pear was the Urban Tree of the Year for 2005.