Once considered popular spring flowering trees, Bradford pear trees are now invasive and crowding out the native plants that pollinators depend on.
The Callery pear, and its’ cultivar Bradford, is a species native to China and Vietnam. The tree was introduced in the 1960s and widely planted in urban and suburban areas. It’s known for its’ stinky white flowers that smell like rotten fish and is frequently damaged in stormy weather. Due to its invasive nature, Callery pear trees can be found everywhere from wetlands to forests.
According to the Missouri Invasive Plant Assessment, the Callery pear tree is the top invasive plant in the state.
In January 2023, Ohio banned the sale and planting of the Callery pear tree. South Carolina has also enacted a ban that will go into effect in 2024.
On Thursday, March 2, Deep Roots KC is hosting the event, Removing the Dreaded Callery Pear: And Why You Should. The free, virtual event will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn how to recognize it, remove it, and take advantage of programs that encourage invasive species control and removal.
There will be buy-back programs this April and May to encourage homeowners and landowners to remove Callery pear trees.
Register for Deep Roots KC’s virtual event at deeproots.org.