If a dazzling white tree is gracing your front yard come springtime, it’s likely a Bradford pear tree (Pyrus calleryana). Their brilliant white blossoms are a sure sign that spring has sprung, but beware—they come with a less-than-pleasant aroma.
However, the stench isn’t the only downside. These trees are also known for their brittle branches and invasive nature, making them a poor choice for any garden.
Despite their beauty, Bradford pear trees are often disliked. Their strong, off-putting odor and aggressive spreading habits have led many communities to encourage residents to remove them by offering special incentives.
I once decided to overlook the negative buzz surrounding this notorious variety of Callery pear and planted one myself, convinced that every plant deserved a fair shot. And let’s be honest, those white blooms are stunning.
But it’s worth considering other options—there are plenty of attractive and sweet-smelling alternatives out there. Here’s a look at why you might want to think twice about Bradford pear trees and explore other possibilities.
Understanding the Bradford Pear: Beauty and Challenges
Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Bradford pear quickly became the go-to choice for both landscapers and city planners due to its rapid growth, tolerance for various soil types, and stunning appearances with white spring blossoms and vibrant fall colors.
Originally celebrated for its pest resistance and disease-free status, the tree’s popularity led to the terms “Bradford pear” and “Callery pear” becoming synonymous.
However, the allure began to wane as issues emerged. Contrary to expectations of remaining compact, Bradford pears can shoot up to 40-50 feet. When planted en masse, their intensely sweet flowers release an overpowering odor.
Structural weaknesses present another major drawback; the tree’s branches, growing densely from a single point, are prone to breaking, particularly during harsh weather, leading to the tree’s potential collapse within 20 years.
The most troubling problem arose from the tree’s ability to crossbreed with other pear varieties, producing thorny, invasive offspring that threaten local ecosystems by forming dense thickets and outcompeting native flora.
The Callery pear’s description might evoke an image of a charming, lollipop-shaped tree with its neat appearance and early blooming. Yet, despite its tidy looks, it is an invasive species rapidly spreading across various landscapes.
The Callery pear (Bradford) stands up to 30 feet tall, featuring smooth, wavy-edged leaves and clusters of white flowers with an unpleasant scent, followed by small, brown fruits that are largely spread by starlings. This proliferation poses a significant ecological threat as it can dominate forest understories and displace native trees.
For those considering alternatives, consider native trees like serviceberry, redbud, American hornbeam, hop hornbeam, and pagoda dogwood, which offer environmental benefits without the drawbacks of the Callery pear.
Despite its beauty, the ecological and economic costs of this invasive species are too great to overlook, particularly as it continues to spread unchecked in less maintained areas.
How the Bradford Pear Tree Became a Landscape Favorite
Bradford pear trees once dominated landscapes across the eastern states, and here’s how they rose to fame. In the early 20th century, the West Coast was battling a pervasive disease known as fire blight, which was decimating fruit trees.
In 1908, plant scientist Frank Reiber discovered that Callery pear trees, grown from seeds imported from China and tested in Oregon, were immune to the blight. These trees not only survived but thrived, producing abundant fruit.
By 1918, Frank Meyer, a plant explorer from the Missouri Botanical Garden, ventured to China and collected over 5,000 pounds of Callery pear seeds. These were then shipped back to the U.S., providing vital rootstock that spurred new growth above ground.
Fast forward to the 1960s, the ornamental nursery industry saw potential in these trees for beautifying landscapes. After selective breeding to remove thorns and reduce pest issues, the most successful variety to emerge was the Bradford pear.
Named in 1963 after Frederick Charles Bradford, the director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Introduction Station in Maryland, this tree variety became a staple due to its rapid growth, low cost, and resilience in tough conditions like drought and high temperatures.
However, by the 1980s, the downsides became apparent. Trees planted in the 1960s were collapsing due to their brittle wood and dense branches, often splitting in windstorms. More recently, horticulturists have been taken aback to find that Bradford pears can cross-pollinate with other Callery pear varieties, such as Cleveland Select.
Unfortunately, this crossbreeding often results in offspring that revert to the less desirable traits of their ancestors, including thorny branches.
Why the Popular Bradford Pear Tree Is Falling Out of Favor
There’s no denying that Bradford pear trees make a stunning display with their early spring blooms of white flowers. Unfortunately, their beauty is short-lived and outweighed by numerous downsides. Here’s why more people are deciding to say goodbye to these trees.
- Fragile Structure
Despite reaching up to 30 feet, Bradford pears can’t withstand much. A moderate 40 mph wind can easily break the tree into pieces, leaving a mess of debris behind. This is due to their weak branch structure where all major limbs split from one single point, making them prone to snapping. It’s not a question of if, but when disaster will strike—hopefully not on your property.
- Short Lifespan
Bradford pears typically only last between 10 to 20 years due to their inherent structural weakness. They’re likely to split during storms or simply due to old age, making recovery difficult.
As these trees age, they become magnets for pests like aphids, borers, and scales, and diseases such as fire blight, which not only damages them but can also spread to nearby fruit crops.
- Dense and Damaging Shade
The tree’s thick branches create a dense shade that stifles any lawn grass beneath it. This shading is particularly problematic on sloped areas where it can kill the grass and lead to severe soil erosion and unsightly gullies.
- Invasive Species
Originally introduced as a non-thorny, ornamental tree that was supposed to be sterile, Bradford pears have turned out to be anything but. Their inability to self-pollinate was a trait that backfired when other variants of the Callery pear began to cross-pollinate with them, leading to viable seeds.
Now recognized as an invasive species in parts of the Southeast, these trees overpower native vegetation that’s crucial for local wildlife, disrupting natural ecosystems. Several states have taken measures by banning their sale and planting, and even offering incentives for their removal.
- Unpleasant Odors and Messy Fruit
Despite their name, Bradford pears are infamous for their unpleasant smell during bloom, which is far from fruity and attracts pollinating flies that feed on common pests.
Additionally, they produce a fruit that, while not edible for humans, creates a mess when it falls and decomposes in yards. Worse yet, if they cross-pollinate, these fruits can spread seeds far and wide, contributing to their invasive spread.
As enchanting as they might appear in spring, the reality of maintaining and managing Bradford pear trees, coupled with their detrimental impact on surroundings, is leading many to reconsider their presence in landscapes.
The Invasive Truth About Bradford Pear Trees
Bradford pear trees, once beloved for their spring blossoms adorning our urban landscapes, have fallen from grace in the horticultural and ecological communities. These trees, now considered invasive, are causing significant problems across the eastern and southeastern United States.
Why the sudden shift in perception? Well, these trees are bullies in the plant world. They outcompete native species for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Unlike native plants, they don’t support local insect populations, which are crucial for birds and other wildlife.
To make matters worse, their fragile branches are prone to breaking, posing risks to property and people. Oh, and let’s not forget their less-than-pleasant aroma!
Michelle Campanis, from the University of Tennessee Arboretum, recently shared these insights during a lecture at the Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning. She explained that the Bradford pear, derived from the Callery pear native to Asia, is now spreading unchecked through our forests, fields, and farms.
The real trouble starts when Bradford pears cross-pollinate with other Callery pear varieties. Their offspring often inherit some nasty traits from their wild ancestors, including vicious three-inch thorns that can even puncture tractor tires! These new trees are popping up everywhere, thanks in part to birds snacking on their fruit and spreading the seeds.
These thorny descendants create dense, impenetrable thickets that make hiking a nightmare – even goats steer clear! It’s a far cry from the tame landscaping trees we thought we were planting.
The Bradford pear’s reputation took a nosedive in the 2000s, with 29 states and Washington, D.C. labeling it invasive. Looking ahead to 2024, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina are set to ban sales of these troublesome trees.
Some areas are taking even more drastic measures – in North Carolina, for instance, homeowners can earn rewards for removing Bradford pears and replacing them with native species.
It’s a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of introducing non-native species into our ecosystems. What seemed like a beautiful addition to our landscapes has turned into an ecological headache that we’re now scrambling to address.
Eradicating Bradford Pear Trees: Guidance from an Expert
Campanis urged residents of Oak Ridge to combat the spread of Bradford pear trees by opting not to plant them and by removing existing ones. She recommended cutting down each tree and applying herbicide to the stump to stop it from growing back.
While she usually advises against herbicide use because it can harm local plants, insects, and aquatic life, she believes it’s necessary in this instance.
During a class at ORICL, she encouraged participants to reach out to their local and state officials to advocate for a ban on selling Bradford pear trees, similar to measures other states are considering or have already implemented.
Campanis pointed out that with Tennessee’s large nursery industry, it’s crucial for nursery owners to focus on growing native plants and steer clear of invasive species.
She highlighted the broader issue of invasive plants in Tennessee and other states, including kudzu, autumn olive, privet shrubs, and various types of honeysuckle and Japanese stiltgrass.
Particularly, Japanese stiltgrass was introduced by accident in 1919 via porcelain shipments from China, where it was used as packing material. This grass has now invaded much of the Southeast and is present in 26 states.
Campanis also celebrated native species like the redbud and dogwood trees, which are beautiful in spring and provide stunning fall colors.
She recommended planting these and other native species such as the serviceberry tree, which bears edible purple fruit, and Carolina silverbells, with their delicate white blooms in April. She also praised the fringe tree, known for its fragrant white blooms in May and June and fruit that birds love.
Dealing with Bradford Pear Trees: A Personal Journey
In my quest to find a less problematic tree, I opted for a ‘Cleveland Select’ Bradford pear. This variety, known for its upright, columnar shape, seemed like a perfect choice. It stood out with its stunning fall colors—rich burgundy and vibrant yellow—long after other trees had shed their leaves.
I strategically planted it behind my garage, which conveniently shielded me from the notorious smell of its flowers.
However, after a decade without issues, my supposedly fruitless pear tree surprised me by producing fruit. It turns out that even “sterile” trees can bear fruit if cross-pollinated by neighboring trees. This revelation meant that despite its sterile label, my tree could still contribute to genetic mixing with native pear trees, potentially creating invasive plants.
The reality is, even sterile Bradford pears can be deceptive. If you have one, you might want to consider removing it. Not only is it excellent as firewood, but you also get the chance to replace it with a more agreeable and less invasive species.
Some great alternatives include the flowering dogwood, serviceberry, flowering cherry, and fringe tree. These choices won’t just prevent the spread of unwanted seedlings; they’ll also spare your neighbors from the pungent bloom of the Bradford pear and support healthier local ecosystems.
My friend Eliza Greenman argues they’re not in her piece, “In Defense of Bradford Pear.” She points out that every Callery pear (the family Bradford pears belong to) is top-notch when it comes to rootstock. If you’re battling deer in your garden, you can graft any pear—or even Winter Banana apples—onto Callery pears.
Sure, you might deal with some regrowth, which deer or livestock can nibble on, but it’s easy to manage. Plus, you’ll see fruit in just 2-3 years.
One of the reasons Callery pears weren’t popular as rootstock was due to issues with root propagation and hardiness, plus they don’t produce dessert-quality fruit. However, large-fruited Callery pear hybrids today show great potential for fermentation, like in ciders and perry.
They boast high sugar content and varied acidity, tannins, and aromatics, making them ideal for sustainable fruit and alcohol production in the South. We need more people to explore these possibilities since they require unique cultivation methods.
Eliza’s insights really got me thinking, and I’ve grown to respect this tree. Here’s how I’m currently using them:
- Rootstock: I plan to graft several of our Bradford pears with tasty pear varieties this spring. They’re excellent rootstocks, particularly the ones thriving near our pond. Grafting onto an established rootstock speeds up fruit production dramatically compared to starting with a new tree.
- Firewood and Smoker Wood: Bradford pear wood is great for smoking food. We’re drying some under our carport that I plan to use in our smoker next year. It’s also decent firewood, especially useful since we’ll be pruning a lot when we graft.
- Beautiful Lumber: My friend Randall recently gave my son Ezekiel some wood for his woodworking projects, including a stunning piece of Bradford pear wood. It had gorgeous, rippling flame patterns and rich colors. After seeing how cool it looked, I even saved some wood from another Bradford pear tree that had been damaged in a storm.
Some of my neighbors have adopted a drastic approach to managing their Bradford pears, similar to how they treat crepe myrtles—by drastically pruning them back to stumps each spring. This practice, however, is not advisable as it severely hampers the tree’s natural growth and aesthetic value.
Unlike crepe myrtles, which can still bloom after such treatment, Bradford pears do not respond well. The best course of action? Remove it before it becomes a liability in your landscape or an invader in local wild areas.
For those looking to enhance their gardens with white blossoms each spring, there are plenty of other options. Consider planting native species like the flowering dogwood, white fringe tree, or Carolina silverbell. These trees not only add beauty with their flowers and foliage but also contribute positively to the local flora.
Botanical Legacy From The Man Behind The Bradford Pear Tree
Frank Meyer, the man behind the introduction of the Bradford pear tree, made significant contributions to botany, as highlighted by Campanis in a recent ORICL class.
Hired by the USDA’s Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction in 1905, Meyer introduced over 2,500 plant species during his lifetime. These include the Meyer lemon, various stone fruits like peaches and plums, the first oil-producing soybean, and the stunning amber lilacs.
Campanis also shed light on Meyer’s role in identifying the source of the chestnut blight that decimated the American chestnut trees in the 1920s. Originating from the Chinese chestnut, which was imported for its higher nut yield, this blight dramatically impacted the eastern U.S. forests.
These forests once thrived with nearly 4 billion American chestnut trees, providing essential nutrients and habitat for indigenous populations and wildlife.
Efforts are now being made to revive this once-dominant tree. The American Chestnut Foundation is at the forefront, working to develop a species resistant to the blight.
Reflecting on the downside of plant importation, Campanis remarked that what seemed beneficial initially sometimes led to invasive species problems. She emphasized the importance of considering the long-term consequences before introducing foreign plants, suggesting a moment of pause for botanists to reflect on potential future impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is it illegal to plant Bradford pear trees?
Bradford pear trees are not welcome in several places due to their invasive nature. States like South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have banned them. Additionally, many cities recommend that residents remove these trees to prevent them from crowding out native plants.
- How do I recognize a sick Bradford pear tree?
Look out for the symptoms of fire blight, a common disease among fruit trees. This includes leaves turning a crispy black or brown and falling off. Another clear indicator is when the twigs blacken and curl, resembling scorch marks.
- What’s the best way to remove a Bradford pear tree from my yard?
Contacting a local tree service is a reliable choice for tree removal, and they typically charge a fee for their services. After felling the tree, it’s crucial to eliminate the stump to prevent regrowth. This can be done by digging, grinding, or applying herbicide, ideally early in the season before the tree produces berries.
- What do Bradford pear tree flowers smell like?
The flowers of the Bradford pear tree have a notoriously unpleasant odor, often likened to rotten fish or even sewage. This strong smell persists until the flowers drop off the tree.
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