SPECIES COMPARISON · WILMINGTON NC
Bradford Pear vs Sweet Gum: 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 →
Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Family: Altingiaceae
Beloved for its fall color, notorious for its surface roots and spiky seed balls — the Cape Fear tree that most often outlives its welcome.
Full Sweet Gum guide →TREE INTELLIGENCE SNAPSHOT
Bradford Pear
REMOVAL COST
Low
HURRICANE RISK
Very High
SHADE VALUE
Moderate
MAINTENANCE
Moderate
PROPERTY IMPACT
Very Low
Sweet Gum
REMOVAL COST
High
HURRICANE RISK
Moderate
SHADE VALUE
High
MAINTENANCE
Very High
PROPERTY IMPACT
Low
Cost Comparison
| Size | Bradford Pear | Sweet Gum |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30 ft) | $250–$480 | $390–$730 |
| Medium (30–60 ft) | $480–$850 | $730–$1,345 |
| Large (60–80 ft) | $850–$1,400 | $1,345–$2,130 |
| Very Large | $1,400–$2,400+ | $2,130–$3,920+ |
| Trimming | $200–$600 | $400–$1,050 |
Ranges reflect Cape Fear regional pricing. Final cost depends on access, condition, and site factors.
Key Differences
- ·
Sweet Gum typically costs more to remove.
- ·
Bradford Pear is more likely to fail in a storm.
- ·
Sweet Gum provides more shade value.
- ·
Sweet Gum demands more ongoing maintenance.
- ·
Sweet Gum 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 hurricane risk. Sweet Gum demands more ongoing maintenance. 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.
Want an estimate based on YOUR actual tree? Upload a photo →
Not sure which tree you have?
Upload a photo and our AI identifies it and estimates removal cost — specific to your tree's actual size, location, and access.
Upload a Photo →Ramon and Miguel · 90 five-star Google reviews · Wilmington, NC