Is is dying? bradford pear tree?

Question

live in Louisiana (centrally located). have two bradford pear trees located in front of our church. one is healthy and blooming. other appears to be dying. any ideas? they have been there for approx. 3-5 years, 12 ft tall. planted near church foundation. both are facing west.

Answer 1

YOU COULD PROBABLY GO TO THE LIBRARY AND LOOK THESE KIND OF TREES UP,AND FIND THE DISEACES THAT ATTACK THESE TREES,AND MAYBE IT CAN TELL YOU HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT.I HAD A TREE THEY CALLED POPLAR IN MY BACKYARD AND IT WAS TALL AND HEATHY ONE DAY WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY TOTALLY DEAD,IT REALLY FREAKED ME OUT.I HAD ANOTHER TREE DO THE SAME THING WHEN I PLANTED IT IN THE SAME PLACE.I DONT KNOW IF IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE SOIL IN THAT CERTAIN AREA ARE WHAT,I HOPE YOU FIND THE ANSWER

Answer 2

Wouldn't surprise me... and mostly by the  time folks notice a tree is in trouble, it's on its way out.  Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) is not a very long lived tree under most circumstances.

You can probably submit a sample of the tree to the LSU Plant Disease Clinic for diagnosis -- call your local Extension Office.