I have two Bradford Pear trees and this is the 3rd year. The leaves are very pale green and they are very small this year. Last year they were red in August, which I blamed it on the drought last summer. I have been told never to fertilize a Bradford Pear tree. What would be advisable to care for this issue with my trees. Do I give them some kind of food and if so, what?

Thank you

We put food steaks in the ground around ours every spring. They are now 5 years old and about 14 feet tall and very thick.

Now remember that Bradfords have a tendency to split down the middle at older ages due to their method of growth and that the trunk can't handle all of the weight above. So you may want to try and keep yours trimmed to aid in avoiding that.