Maryland has a new state tree - the Bradford Pear!

[Traildogbob]

6. A very popular ornamental here

In WNC. But is a very brittle weak species. Extremely
Susceptible to wind and early spring blossoms catch late snow fall and they break all over the place. There are so many just around me that have massive gaps due to breakage. Most around me have taken them out.
Hate to see the Quercus alba was replaced with this.
A strong beautiful hardwood like that oak, versus a weaker than conifer, that is more of a hard weed than a tree. Just the observation of a life long Forest educator that loves Dendrology and knowledges of the hundreds of species that we are blessed to live with in the Appalachian hardwoods.
And a long time member of the IDS, International Dendrology Society,. A World wide tree huggin group of looneys. Educators, writers, professionals, that gather multiple times a year around the globe. To see trees.
Good luck with the Bradfords, but be prepared for lots of broken limbs. Consistently.