SPECIES COMPARISON · WILMINGTON NC
Bradford Pear vs Crape Myrtle: Cost, Risk & Removal Compared
How these two Cape Fear trees compare on removal cost, hurricane risk, and what they mean for your property.
Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Family: Rosaceae
Beautiful in spring bloom, structurally compromised at maturity, and now classified as invasive in North Carolina — removal is increasingly the right call.
Full Bradford Pear guide →
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Family: Lythraceae
Wilmington's most beloved ornamental — spectacular in bloom, structurally fragile in storms, and the easiest tree in the region to remove.
Full Crape Myrtle guide →TREE INTELLIGENCE SNAPSHOT
Bradford Pear
REMOVAL COST
Low
HURRICANE RISK
Very High
SHADE VALUE
Moderate
MAINTENANCE
Moderate
PROPERTY IMPACT
Very Low
Crape Myrtle
REMOVAL COST
Very Low
HURRICANE RISK
High
SHADE VALUE
Low
MAINTENANCE
Low
PROPERTY IMPACT
Moderate
Cost Comparison
| Size | Bradford Pear | Crape Myrtle |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $250–$480 | $200–$400 |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $480–$850 | $400–$750 |
| Large (60–80 ft) | $850–$1,400 | $750–$1,200 |
| Very Large | $1,400–$2,400+ | $1,200–$2,000+ |
| Trimming | $200–$600 | $150–$500 |
Ranges reflect Cape Fear regional pricing. Final cost depends on access, condition, and site factors.
Key Differences
- ·
Bradford Pear typically costs more to remove.
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Bradford Pear is more likely to fail in a storm.
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Bradford Pear provides more shade value.
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Bradford Pear demands more ongoing maintenance.
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Crape Myrtle tends to add more property value.
- ·
Bradford Pear is classified invasive in NC; removal is often recommended.
Which Should You Be More Concerned About?
Bradford Pear scores higher on both hurricane risk and ongoing maintenance demands in the Cape Fear market. The right call depends on your specific tree's condition, size, and location — upload a photo for an assessment.
Upload a photo for a free assessment →Estimate Your Tree Removal
Estimated Range
$950 – $1,200
Estimated range for Tree Removal · medium tree · Wilmington
Confidence: High · Based on Cape Fear market data
Estimate based on Cape Fear regional pricing data. Final cost confirmed after provider assessment.
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Upload a Photo →Ramon and Miguel · 90 five-star Google reviews · Wilmington, NC