Question
I had 2 Bradford Pear trees (front and back of house in Buffalo, NY.) They presented numerous problems w/ sucker growth, esp. the tree in the drier location. Due to our "October Storm", both had to be cut down. The tree in the most dry location grew suckers 10-15' away from trunk ruining shrubs, lawn and other ground cover. At present, stumps have been ground out, but suckers are still a problem. What to do? Nurseries recommend Cleveland Select or Red Spire indicating no sucker problem. I refuse to deal w/ suckers again. Should I try another pear go a different "route?"

Answer
Wipe the suckers with a herbicide called Roundup. This can be sprayed on the sprouts foliage BUT the Roundup will kill any green plant and more than likely there is grass under the sprouts. I would put on a plastic glove and put the Roundup on a rag and wipe the foliage with the wet rag. The herbicide will not harm you but the glove is to keep the Roundup smell from being absorbed by your skin.

As far as a replacement I would not plant another pear, there branches tend to break during storms as they get larger. I would go to a good nursery and describe to them what you want in a tree ( flowering, fall color, shade, etc??) and ask their assistance. They will be able to give you the species that will grow best in N.Y. conditions.