Attention:  All Columbus Ga home owners and future landlords.  Spring is here and in the next few days hundreds and thousands of home owners will begin the annual migration to the "garden centers". When making your landscape decisions remember to allow for future growth.  The most important landscape decision will be where and what kind of trees you will plant.  One old favorite is of course the Bradford Pear Tree.  The problem in Columbus Ga with Bradford Pear trees is that many of the 15 - 25 year old trees have been damaged by wind or ice.  The Bradford Pear is a soft wood tree, it spreads and sends trunk sized branches out in all directions.  The weight of the branches is what makes this tree prone to wind and ice damage.  I was lucky enough to find a Cleveland Pear Tree, wood, leaves and flowers are identical to the Bradford.  The difference is its shape.  The Cleveland Pear has a more upright growth pattern, it casts a smaller shadow and is less susceptible to wind and ice damage because of it's compact shape.  Take a look and consider the Cleveland Pear when you go shopping for trees.