Why You Should Avoid Bradford Pear Trees—and What to Plant Instead

If you have a pretty white flowering tree in your yard that often smells like rotting fish, chances are you have a Bradford pear tree. These trees were popular to plant at one time due to their affordability but now are seen as more trouble than they’re worth. 

So, apart from the foul smell, why are Bradford trees harmful? Read on to learn about common issues these trees pose and why they’re considered an environmental hazard.   

What Are Bradford Pear Trees?

Also known as Pyrus calleryana or the Callery pear, Bradford pear trees are native to Asia and commonly found in the eastern U.S. They’re known for pretty white flowers that bloom in early spring but also have a strong, fishy smell. They grow about 30 to 60 feet in height and have short lifespans, lasting only 15 to 25 years. Today, they are considered an invasive species in many regions.

Reasons to Avoid Bradford Pear Trees

They’re Invasive

Pyrus calleryana is an invasive species that may crowd out native plants due to its ability to grow quickly and thrive in various climates. Because they have dense canopies of blooms, they also block light from reaching other plants and even make it difficult to grow grass. Some states, such as South Carolina and Pennsylvania, have banned Bradford pear trees to protect the area’s native vegetation.   

They Have Soft Wood

Another issue with this fast-growing tree is that the wood is soft. That allows it to grow quickly but also makes the tree vulnerable to split due to heavy winds, ice, or snow. The trees tend to split after about 15 years, making this species dangerous in a yard where branches could easily fall on people or damage your home. 

They Need Lots of Upkeep

While affordable, Bradford pear trees are not low maintenance. Homeowners must keep up with pruning the top branches to minimize the risk of splitting. The branches of this tree also grow sharply upward, which makes it easier for the tree to split. Bradford pear trees have a short lifespan of up to 25 years, partly due to their inclination to split.

They’re Smelly

Bradford pear trees may look beautiful in bloom, but their pungent smell will quickly change your mind. When the tree is in full bloom in the spring, the flowers emit a rotting fish stench. This is thought to be from trimethylamine and dimethylamine to attract pollinators.

Some May Have Thorns

As if the smell, maintenance, and soft wood weren’t enough to avoid Pyrus calleryana, some species emerge with thorns after cross-pollinating with other plants. These sharp thorns make the trees even more difficult to prune or remove. 

How to Get Rid of a Bradford Pear Tree

If you have these trees in your yard already, the best way to remove the tree without spreading it further is by cutting it down. The average cost to remove a tree is $750. Some states even provide incentives for removal, so check with your local government to see if your state participates.

After the tree has been cut down, homeowners should remove or treat the stump with an herbicide to prevent it from sprouting new trees and grind down the stump before placing a new tree in the same spot.

Tree removal is not easy and can be dangerous. Call your local tree removal service for help removing the tree and treating the stump to prevent new growth. 

What to Plant Instead

Due to the maintenance issues and its invasive nature, Bradford pear trees are best avoided and may even be banned in your state.  The Bradford is one of many options if you want to plant a blooming tree in your yard. Instead, try flowering dogwood, serviceberry, redbud, fringe, sweet crabapple, yellowwood, or sassafras trees.