Question
My Bradford Pear is about 28 years old.  It looks great.  Last fall it did not lose its leaves.  They turned brown but did not fall off.  This spring and summer there is new growth all over the tree but there are lots of dead leaves there, too.  What is going on?

Answer
Dear Mary, I think your Bradford Pear has gotten fire blight and that is why your leaves didn't fall off.  Fire blight is a bacterial disease that often affects Bradford pears and can affect any member of the rose family, of which apples, pears, and even red-tip photinia are members.  Usually what happens is that the fire-blight spray is applied BEFORE the tree gets fire blight.  Once the tree shows symptoms (foliage quickly turns brown as if it has been burned), it is usually too late to save the tree or use the spray, so I find it very unusual that your tree is still alive after an attack last fall.  OK, here's what I would do to try to save the tree.  First, cut out and destroy any dead branches, being sure to disinfect your cutting tools with each cut.  Remove all dead and withered leaves.  Then spray with Fire Blight Spray (I think Ferti-Lome makes it).  You will need to keep spraying on a regular schedule, and I would spray until the leaves fall off naturally until autumn.  Don't fertilize!!! Keep fertilizer completely off this tree as it just helps the blight to start.  So basically, this year you're going to keep up the spraying, and be sure to cleanly cut any dead areas quickly.  If the tree makes it till next year, IMMEDIATELY start spraying as soon as you see leaves or the label instructs, and keep spraying throughout the year.  Fire blight has been horrible lately, and I know this sounds like a lot of work, but I suspect the tree is worth it.  Let me know if you have any further questions.  Good luck, Melissa