trees in bloom

Some bradford pear trees growing wild in a country field. Comments appreciated.

That's really a beautiful scene, Gale. Great color. And how strange it must have been to see a Bradford pear in the middle of nowhere.

Ortonized?

Very nice, Gale, is that the field you telling me about? I am by no means a tree expert, but could these be Service Berry trees?

I love the color of the sky with the white blooms. I'm not sure these are Bradford Pears either. - scott

Thanks Bill. yes I did use an orton action on this one. I thought it worked for the flowers.


Thanks Tom, It was in that area but not on private property. I think they have mostly turned green now.

Thanks Scott, I'm pretty sure that's what these are bradfords they look just like the other ones back in town. I'm not the best at identifying trees. Maybe Don can help me again.

Hi Gale,

Yes, they are Bradford pears, Pyrus calleryana. The ortonized flowers make them hard to i.d. but the shape of the tree is a dead giveaway. Bradford's have a main stalk with weak lateral branches making them a target of high winds, heavy snow, and ice storms. This is an exotic tree that I would not recommend for planting. They originated as "hybrids" but nature often finds a way to change things and lots of them now produce fruit and viable seeds. In southern states, they can be a menace invading habitats, especially natural areas.

I got quite amused driving around Jefferson City last December after a 1/2 inch ice storm. Many Bradford pear trees were completely flattened!

Best,
Don

Thanks Don I just got a comment on my blog from a guy who said these could become "North America's next big invasive species" and wonders how long it might take for them to fill this field.

Neat shot, Gale. What I like most is how the green and whites of spring contrast with the browns and tans of winter. And the sky is pretty.
Now, regarding the invasive nature of Bradford Pears, last week the fields along I-40 between Van Buren and Alma were full of trees like the ones in your photo. They were covered in white blooms and it was a striking scene. Did any of you Fort Smith folks see this?

John this area is what inspired me to find this shot. I caught them a little past peak but I kinda like a little green in them.

Great shot Gale, I really like this. I believe that trees in general are greatly over looked as a main subject in photography. They seem to be in almost all landscape images but only as "bystanders" so to speak. I personnaly love the greatfullness, beauty and ellegance trees have to offer. In this shot you have allowed them to "standout" from their surroundings and be noticed.
They are beautiful specimens and a wonderful example.
Thanks for sharing.

Brad

A really nice capture of an early spring scene Gale. Nice rich colors and good use of shadows as elements in the scene.