Yard tree ideas NC/SC

[jmcmath]

Hi all! New member looking for some opinions. Recently purchased a home that the front yard is lined with 3 big Bradford pears(and a 7fter) I do not like Bradford pears, so this winter they will fall down. What should I replace with?

I considered winesap Apple, but a colleague mentioned a type of blight that may be an issue?

Lights considered pecan but would like to keep some grass.

Was thinking a Japanese maple where the small tree was(own little landscape area.

I want something useful (fruit) or pretty haha or both!

Any ideas?

 

[PJM]

Hard to go wrong with serviceberry (juneberry, shadbush). Attractive small tree with delicious fruit, it you can get it before the birds do. Early spring flowers and trunk has some winter interest. Can be planted as a clump, similarly to the overplanted (IMHO) paper and river birch.