The Pear and the Oak — Saying Goodbye to our Pear Tree

It kind of sounds like the title of an Aesop’s Fable, doesn’t it? Well, if you haven’t noticed, we have a pear tree and an oak tree growing in contentiously close proximity to one another in front of the church – on the Gordon Avenue side of the building. This is not a healthy situation for either tree and, unfortunately, the only way to address this problem is by removing one or the other.

After consulting with Trees Forever, The Linn County Master Gardeners, and the Cedar Rapids Park and Rec Forestry Division, the PCUU Buildings & Grounds team has decided that, for several very good reasons, the pear tree will be removed late this year. This will allow the longer lived and more nature friendly oak to flourish. The pear tree, undoubtedly nearer the end of its natural life, will have been removed.

What does this mean? The pear tree has been trimmed to support fruit development this year. But this will be its final season. So, if you’ve enjoyed the fruit off this pear tree in past years, please make sure to take the opportunity to enjoy the pears this summer, as it will be the last.

Submitted by Bob Butikofer