Bradford pear is a variety of Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), an ornamental fruit tree that is wreaking havoc along roadsides, ditch banks, farm fields and natural areas, including wetlands throughout Ohio, because of its aggressive growth and invasive nature.
Why do people not like Bradford pear trees?
While the blooms are lovely, the trees do not weather well over time and are considered invasive. The same toughness that made Bradford pear trees such a good choice in heavily trafficked landscapes, also makes the pear an aggressive spreader. They also produce stiff thorns as long as 3 inches.
Why are Bradford pear trees banned in Ohio?
“If you have a large Bradford pear, you know there is a risk of the tree breaking. And so depending on the location, the tree could fall on something that’s near your driveway, it could split and fall in your car, for example,” Herms said. Ohio will be the second state to ban the Bradford Pear tree.
What kind of pear tree is invasive in Ohio?
Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) The Callery pear is an ornamental pear tree native to Asia which has become an invasive plant.
Do capital pears have invasive roots?
Under some conditions, they can even be considered invasive, and you don’t want these pear tree roots near houses or other structures. They should not be planted close to other trees either since the roots can entangle.
Should I cut down Bradford pear?
If you have this tree in your yard, experts say you should cut it down. One notorious tree variety is the Bradford pear, which is easily identified by its decorative white blooms.
What is a good alternative to a Bradford pear?
Native Alternatives for Bradford Pear & Other Exotic Flowering Trees. For alternatives to these invasive flowering trees: Bradford and callery pears (Pyrus calleryana), as well as empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), and golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata).
Which states have banned Bradford pear trees?
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has added all varieties of Callery pear — including Bradford pear — to the list of invasive species in the Buckeye State. Starting in 2023, it will be illegal to sell or plant these trees anywhere in the state.
How can you tell if you have a Bradford pear tree?
Identification. A Bradford Pear will grow up to 25 feet in height with light grey bark. Bradford Pear leaves are oval to heart-shaped 2 to 3 inches long and wide with small teeth around the edges, which means it resembles the shape of a saw blade.
What tree is being outlawed in Ohio?
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The white blossoms of the Bradford or Callery, pear tree are everywhere right now. The tree is popular for its beautiful blooms in spring and colors that last into autumn. But it’s about to be banned in The Buckeye State.
Is Bartlett Pear invasive?
Phelps noted that Bartlett Pear, Kieffer Pear, and other fruiting pear trees that people plant in their orchards, are not included in this effort. These are actual fruiting pears and are not invasive. Those trees are beneficial to plant.
Do Cleveland pears have invasive roots?
Noteworthy Tips on the Cleveland Pear Tree
– Callery Pear Trees are non-native invasive. This means that they do not originate in the United States, and they can damage the native ecosystem with overgrowth.
How far do pear tree roots spread?
When a tree is given a finite amount of space to grow in, it can push through concrete, rock and other tough surfaces. Bradford pear trees grow large at maturity — up to 30 feet high and 25 feet wide. Young, feeder roots reach as far as the edge of the canopy. This means the surface roots can be 50 feet wide.
Are dwarf pear tree roots invasive?
Dwarf Pear
Much like other dwarf trees, the Dwarf Pear ( Pyrus communis) is a smaller version of the larger trees. These dwarf-sized trees grow to heights of 7-10′; thus, the corresponding root structure spreads about the same. They are not invasive like their naughty cousin, the Bradford pear tree.
Do Bradford pear trees have invasive roots?
The ubiquitous Callery pear trees, also known as Bradford pears, are known for their beautiful white blossoms, adorning lawns across the country and earning a place as one of the most common landscaping trees. But this tree is also highly invasive, and it has raided Indiana.
What is the life expectancy of a Bradford pear tree?
Growth Rate. A rapid grower (12 to 15 feet increase in height over an 8- to 10-year period), it has a short to moderate life span (15 to 25 years).
Is the wood from a Bradford pear tree good for anything?
Although the tree may not be the prefect ornamental tree everyone hoped for, the firewood it creates is actually really good. The wood is dense, heavy and burns very hot. It creates a good coal bed similar to oak and many people would agree it burns slightly better than cherry firewood.
What is the difference between a Callery pear and a Bradford pear?
For example, all Bradford pears are Callery pears, but not all Callery pears are Bradford pears. The Bradford pear variety was created to produce no seeds or thorns, making it safer to grow and less invasive than other Callery pear cultivars.
What pear trees are not invasive?
Growing in a neat, pyramidal shape, the Chastity Pear Tree makes a perfect a street, screen, or specimen tree. And unlike the Bradford (Callery) Pear, this Pear Tree isn’t invasive.
How do you tell the difference between Bradford and dogwood pears?
Analyze the leaves. If they are smooth and shiny on both sides, they belong to a Bradford pear. If the leaves have slightly fuzzy surfaces and hairy undersides, they belong to a dogwood.
Are dogwoods and Bradford pears the same?
In spite of their similarities, Dogwoods and Bradford Pears are different species.