Skip to main content

This is the popular tree for your garden more and more states are banning

Here's why you might not be able to plant new Callery pear trees in your yard

Planting trees in your yard or garden is a great way to add shade, enjoy flowers and fruit, and even attract birds. Some trees are more trouble than they’re worth. According to several states, one such tree is the Callery pear tree, including the incredibly popular variety Bradford pear tree. Wondering why these trees are getting the ax? We’ve got the answers for you!

A large flowering Bradford pear tree
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is a Callery pear tree?

The Callery pear is an ornamental pear tree native to China and popular in cities across the U.S. These decorative trees have beautiful white flowers in the spring, dark green leaves in the summer, and vibrant red leaves in the fall. The Bradford pear tree is much more enjoyable at a distance than close up, due to the strong, somewhat fishy smell its flowers produce.

They became popular in the U.S. because of their quick and easy growth. Callery pears could grow in yards or gardens, but would thrive just as well along sidewalks or parking lots. The first variety grown in the U.S. was the Bradford pear tree, and it was created through grafting and cloning. Since Callery pears cannot self-pollinate, the Bradford pear tree wasn’t able to grow fruit. City planners and landscapers loved this feature, since it meant they didn’t need to worry about cleaning rotting fruit off the streets and sidewalks.

A Bradford pear tree in the fall with red leaves and small brown fruit
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why are they banned?

As more varieties of Callery pear were created or brought over from China, the trees were able to cross-pollinate and grow fruit. Birds loved the fruit, and they began to spread the seeds. After a few years, people started to notice new Callery pear trees sprouting in and around cities. From there, they spread farther into forests and natural areas. Callery pears began to outcompete native tree species.

Today, the trees are considered highly invasive. Due to how quickly and easily they grow and their popularity with birds, the Bradford pear spread uncontrollably. This prevents native plants from flourishing, which impacts the ecosystem at every level.

A few Bradford pear flowers on a branch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What should you do if you have a Bradford pear tree?

The ban doesn’t impact trees that are already growing, so if you already have a Bradford pear tree, you don’t need to do anything. The ban prevents people from buying or selling new trees. If you were planning on adding an ornamental pear tree to your yard, then you’ll need to find an alternative, such as a dogwood tree.

Some states are offering benefits for homeowners who remove their Bradford pear tree. North Carolina, for example, is hosting several events across the state this year where homeowners can receive a native tree to replace their Bradford pears, provided they bring proof they’ve already cut down the Bradford pear.

Whether you choose to remove Callery pear trees from your yard or leave them standing, it will soon be illegal to buy or sell them. Starting in Ohio this year and spreading across the U.S., you’ll begin to see fewer and fewer of these once-popular trees in nurseries and garden centers.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Cayla Leonard
Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and…
Your guide to growing garlic in winter for a delicious season-long harvest
Grow garlic in winter with these tips
Garlic bulbs and cloves

Garlic is a great addition to any dish, making it a popular plant to grow. It doesn't take up much room, is resistant to many pests and diseases, and is easy to care for, making it a great plant for beginners as well. If you're a fan of garlic and want to extend your harvest, then you might be interested in learning how to grow garlic in winter. Growing vegetables in winter can be tricky due to the weather, but luckily, garlic is easy to grow in any season! This handy guide will explain everything you need to know about how to grow garlic in winter.

When should you start your winter garlic?
Garlic needs several weeks of temperatures that are at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to develop properly. However, they also need enough time to grow roots before the ground freezes. Plant your garlic a little before the first frosts of the year, but avoid planting them right before a big freeze. Garlic doesn’t do well in heat, so plant your garlic once the weather has begun to cool.

Read more
8 beautiful, fall-blooming perennials to add to your garden
From aster to sneezeweed, here are the best autumn flowers to grow
Scarecrow among fall flowers

A beautiful year-round landscape is the result of planning for diversity. After all, plants come in a huge range of forms and types, from the tallest trees to the tiniest flowers. The appeal of each kind changes throughout the seasons, with some showing off early in the year and others displaying peak interest much later. Plenty of attention goes to the bright foliage of deciduous trees in autumn, but let’s not overlook the fall-blooming perennials.

Perennials are the herbaceous (non-woody) plants that grow back year after year. Although they typically offer a much shorter blooming season compared with annual flowers, perennials offer a variety of other benefits. These late bloomers look their best as the summer annuals begin to look ragged and worn. By blooming within a window of only a few short weeks, they add to the evolving seasonal interest of the landscape. Plus, many attract and support native wildlife, like butterflies, birds, and bees, by producing the nectar, pollen, and seeds they need for nourishment.

Read more
Follow this lemon tree winter guide to make sure that your lemon tree doesn’t suffer when the cold hits
Everything you need to know about keeping your lemon tree alive this winter
Lemons

If you're one of the many people who own a lemon tree, you know just how sturdy those trees can be. But the truth is, harsh winters can still threaten your plant. While your lemon trees can survive a few chilly nights with the proper frost and cold protection, too many freezing nights will decrease their likelihood of survival.

Depending on which climate zone you live in, you may be able to choose whether to keep your tree outdoors during the winter holidays. If your winters are cold and brisk at night, err on the safe side and bring the tree indoors. If you live in a warmer climate, you can opt to keep your tree outside with some precautions.

Read more