Expert: David - 7/27/2008

Question
we have forty trees in two lines alond the driveway; 10-12 years old. Two of them have developed bright reddish leaves. No signs of fireblight, and the leaves aren't dropping. Normal summer here in NC, with lots more rain this year than last. Rest of trees fine. Any ideas? thanks

Answer
What you describe is very common.  When a number of trees are planted along a driveway several of them may begin to turn red before the fall color is supposed to show up.  Bradfords are propagated in such a way that those trees may have something different about their genetics.  There is no known cause for this situation.  You may find that those trees may be the first ones that you may lose in the future.  Keep them watered adequately and fertilize in the spring to try and keep green longer.  Sorry I can provide no better options.  Good Luck.