What is the best way to maintain Bradford Pear trees?
I would recommend pruning them to thin the canopies approximately 15% by removing live, rubbing, and interfering branches, as well as dead branches 1" and larger. This will help to facilitate better airflow through the canopies, which helps to decrease disease prevalence. I would also recommend pruning to reduce some of the weight on the large, over-extended branches to help reduce to risk of potential branch failure, which Bradfords are notorious for.