Frequently Asked Questions

Because someone has asked these very same questions many times before

What is a Bradford Pear?

The Bradford Pear is a cultivar of the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), a tree originally introduced to the United States from China in the early 1900s for agricultural research. It was thought to add winter hardiness to the pears that were in production at the time.

It was later promoted as an ornamental landscape tree because it grows quickly, produces heavy white blooms in early spring, and tolerates urban conditions reasonably well.

For a while it was considered close to the perfect suburban tree.

Time, however, has provided additional information.

Why do Bradford pear trees smell so bad?

The flowers release compounds that attract insects such as flies and beetles that are drawn to odors associated with decaying organic matter.

In other words, the smell is a pollination strategy.

Plants that rely on bees often smell sweet.
Plants that rely on flies… do not.

When one tree blooms the smell may be tolerable.
When an entire subdivision blooms at once, people start Googling.

Why do Bradford pear trees split in half?

Bradford pears naturally develop very narrow branch angles where major limbs join the trunk.

These tight angles create something called included bark, which prevents the branches from forming strong structural connections.

As the tree matures, those weak joints- referred to as weak crotches by arborists — fail, often during windstorms, heavy rain, or snow events.

The result is the classic Bradford pear failure: a tree that suddenly opens up down the middle like a dropped watermelon.

How long do Bradford pear trees bloom?

The bloom period is short.

Most trees flower for about 7–10 days in early spring, often before the leaves emerge.

The bloom wave starts in the southern United States and moves northward over several weeks.

Are Bradford pear trees invasive?

The Bradford cultivar itself was once thought to be sterile. However, when different Callery pear cultivars are planted near each other they can cross-pollinate.

This produces fertile fruit that birds spread into fields, forests, and roadsides.

In many parts of the eastern United States, escaped Callery pear populations now form dense thorny thickets that crowd out native vegetation.

Several states have begun restricting or banning new plantings.

Why were Bradford pears planted everywhere?

The tree had a lot going for it—at least initially.

Developers and city planners liked them because they:

• grew quickly

• produced showy spring flowers

• tolerated poor soils

• had a tidy, symmetrical shape when young

• were inexpensive and easy to produce in nurseries

During the suburban development boom of the 1970s through the 1990s, millions were planted along streets, parking lots, and subdivision entrances.

Many of those trees are now reaching the age where their structural weaknesses become obvious.

Are Bradford pears still sold?

In some areas, yes, because people continue to buy them. If there were no buyers, the tree growers would drop them like a bad habit.

In some states, they are being phased out or restricted due to invasive spread and structural issues.

Many horticulturists and extension agencies now recommend planting alternative species instead.

What trees are better alternatives?

Several small flowering trees provide similar ornamental value without the structural problems.

Common southeastern native species recommendations include:

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Flowering Dogwood (Benthamidia florida)

• Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

• Native plums (Prunus species)

There are many others, both non-native and native trees or large shrubs that will make a good alternative to Bradford Pears. In fact, most any tree will make a good alternative to a Bradford Pear. Your local extension office or nursery can help identify good choices for your region.

Is BradfordPears.com anti-tree?

Not at all. Trees are good things, but clearly, not all trees are created equal. Bradford Pears are not alone in being a regrettable tree. Other trees qualify for the list for a variety of reasons.

The goal here is simply to document the history, science, and occasional disasters associated with one particular tree that seemed like a good idea at the time.

Can I submit a Bradford pear disaster photo?

Yes. send photos and stories to hello@bradfordpears.com

Storm damage, sidewalk destruction, invasive thickets, flattened tractor tires, and neighbor's cats gagging at the first whiff of the blooms... and other Bradford Pear adventures are always welcome.

Someone planted these trees.

Someone else, usually, has to clean up after them.