Thanks... we are going to shy away from the Bradford. Someone suggested a Cleveland Pear, which is to be less likely to break due to wind and ice. I'll check out the ones you suggested as well.
Are they a fast growing tree?
The cultivars you could use in place of Bradford pear are Aristocrat, Cleveland Select, Gelens, and Redspire. They all have a similar form, leaf, and flower to Bradfords. They are all quick growers. The main difference is they have a stronger U shaped junction at the trunk than the Bradford's weak V.
