What Are Bradford Pear Tree Problems?

Spring is in the air, and if you live anywhere in the eastern United States, you know that means the particularly unpleasant smell of the Callery Pear — commonly called the Bradford — is also near. This non-native invasive ornamental tree has made its way into almost every available patch of sun and soil in the region, from abandoned farmland to backyards and local parks. Its distinct white flowers are immediately recognizable along highways and forest edges, making it one of the Midwest’s most distinct signs of spring.

The Bradford has cultivated a particularly infamous reputation for itself over the last half-century. Once one of the most prolifically planted trees in the US for its rapid growth, robust flowering, and attractive foliage, it is now widely recognized by arborists as being dangerous, harmful to local ecologies, and generally not suitable as a street tree or ornamental addition to your home’s front yard.

Structural Failure: The Bradford Pear’s Biggest Problem

Soon after the Bradford’s commercial release in 1961, it became apparent that the tree had some fundamental issues. By 1980, older Bradfords were routinely failing in storms and heavy snowfall, posing a risk to homes and pedestrians. As horticulturist Michael Dirr wrote in 1998, Bradford pear “tends to develop rather tight crotches” and the plant “will fall apart because of the development of many branches around a common length of the trunk.”

Cities and residential developments continued planting the Bradford and other Callery pear cultivars well into the 21st century. In New York City, Bradfords were the third most common tree of 132 species planted along city streets — more than 58,000 out of 650,000 as of 2015. But cities have stopped planting them, much like many states across the country.

Why Ohio Banned the Bradford Pear

Ohio has officially banned the selling, growing, and planting of the Bradford and other Callery cultivars. As ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Blaser explains, Callery pear “often dominates young, regenerating forest areas and inhibits the growth and establishment of native plant species. Halting the further sale and intentional propagation of Callery pear will help reduce the further introduction of this environmentally harmful tree species.”

The Bradford is an incredibly virulent and competitive species, often forming dense thickets that push out native species who cannot tolerate the deep shade or compete for water, soil, and space. Their seeds are easily dispersed by birds and small animals, and the tree has also been known to self-pollinate. Once a mature Bradford is removed, the base of the trunk and roots will often send out shoots, making it particularly difficult to completely eradicate.

What to Plant Instead of a Bradford Pear

What can homeowners do to help prevent the spread of this invasive tree? Ensuring any tree or shrub you plant is a native species will greatly benefit your local environment. If your home already hosts a mature Bradford — as many suburban developments do — it may be wise to have a certified arborist inspect the tree for potential hazards and eventually remove it before it disperses more seeds.

At Arborist Solutions, we offer full removal, stump grinding, and planting services. We can take care of felling your Bradford and replacing it with a native alternative — the eastern redbud, the serviceberry, or the flowering dogwood are all strong performers in Central Ohio. Any of these species will provide the same beautiful spring flowering as the Bradford while contributing to a healthy ecology where native pollinators, plants, and animals can thrive.

The story of the Bradford pear is a lesson in the importance of responsible land stewardship when it comes to the trees and shrubs we plant in our cities and neighborhoods. Learn about our tree planting services or request a consultation if you have a Bradford that needs to come down.

Richard Deubler — ISA Certified Arborist OH-7057A, Arborist Solutions