So then those mysterious saw cuts near where it broke were purely coincidental?
Jim
It's not a matter of if a Bradford Pear will blow down or break apart, it's a matter of when. Did it break at the root stock graft line about 6" above the ground or split at the branching crotch?
Dave
Bradford pears do look pretty, but I think they stink when they flower. So look at it this way, next time you can plant a tree that doesn't stink every spring. :gar-Bi Sorry you have to deal with that though, that part is never fun.
They stink because they flower before Bees are really active so they have to rely on Flies as pollinators and they smell like something Flies would like.
Dave