However, Bradford pear trees can be a gardening mistake.
The limbs of thesefast-growing treesbreak too easily in stormy weather, and they are also invasive.
This tree can be found in USDA zones 5-9.
David Beaulieu
Avoid planting this tree, because its rapid growth rate can quickly choke out native plants.
Odor
The Bradford pear tree’s showy but delicate pink or white flowers are considered malodorous.
The foul odor of a rotting animal is the tree’s way of attracting pollinators, such as blowflies.
The smell has also been described as ranging from rotting fish to urine and other excrement.
The early spring blooming lasts for about two weeks.
Inedible, Toxic Fruit
The fruits from the Bradford pear tree are bitter and inedible by humans.
Fire blight is another disease that spreads by rain, wind, insects, or pruning with unsterilized tools.
This disease causes leaves and branches to turn brown, die off, and shed.
The Bradford pear tree has long branches, typically with sharp thorns that reach three inches long.
Young Bradford pear trees can be pulled up by hand or removed with a shovel.
The easiest solution is to find a superiorP.
Other types of ornamental pears will give you loads of white flowers in spring and good fall color.P.
calleryana’Autumn Blaze' is an example.
These trees are fairly short-lived, with an average lifespan of about 20 years.
Native Alternatives to Bradford Pear.Missouri Botanical Garden.
Toxic Plants.University of California.
Ohio outlaws ubiquitous pear trees.University of Cincinnati.
Pear Rust.Oklahoma State University Extension.
