Blount and Beyond Online Magazine - Magazine - Page 121
Gardening - Bradford Pear Trees By Linda Kay Baker
I have seen many Bradford pear trees blooming this year, but I am so happy we made the decision a few
years back to cut our Bradford pear trees down. I would never recommend Bradford pears for several
reasons, but if you want the beautiful trees that is up to you. They are beautiful when in bloom but please
keep in mind they are not native to this area, and they are an invasive tree.
Braford Pear Trees are invasive. They tend to aggressively propagate with other flowering pear trees as birds
ingest their berries and spread their seeds. The trees from this propagation results in the trees over crowding
out other more desirable trees and shrubs.
Another reason to pass on planting the Bradford pear trees is the thorns that grow on the trees. These thorns
are so sharp they have been known to puncture tires.
To me one of the biggest reasons not to have a Bradford Pear Tree is the fact that they are unstable trees with
weak branches that tend to split and fall during or after adverse weather conditions, causing a hazard to
people, property, pets, and vehicles.
The berries on these trees emit an unpleasant rotting odor and that odor invites flies. I do not want or need a tree
that attracts flies.
Bradford Pear trees have a short lifespan of 10 to 20 years making your hard work of planting and caring for
these trees seems like a lot of work for a small return.
Bradford pear trees have been banned in South Carolina starting October 1, 2024. Bradford pear bounty
program combats the invasive tree. Kentucky property owners looking to rid their yards of invasive and
troublesome Bradford pear trees may find help through the Bradford Pear Bounty Program. The University
of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in partnership with the Remove Invasives
Partnership of Franklin County and other local organizations, hosts the event to provide property owners an
opportunity to exchange their Bradford pears for free young native replacement trees.
Considering the drawbacks of this tree, it is much preferable to select an alternative flowering shade tree such as
the Eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, serviceberry, or American plum for your lawn.
Pictures of Bradford Pear Trees near me. Photos by Linda Baker