Why You Should Replace Your Bradford Pear Tree (And What To Replace It With)

For a long time, the Bradford pear tree has been a very popular choice for ornamentation among developers, municipalities, landscapers, and homeowners. These trees grow quickly, and they produce beautiful white blossoms each spring that have a striking appearance. 

Unfortunately, the Bradford pear has proven to be a problematic tree species for a number of different reasons, so much so that some states have even banned the planting of new ones. If you have a Bradford pear tree on your property, consider removing it and replacing it with a much better alternative.

Why Are Bradford Pear Trees Not Good for Your Yard?

Discover the various reasons why you shouldn’t one of these trees on your property.

These Trees Are an Invasive Species

It may surprise you to learn that, given its presence everywhere you go, the Bradford pear is not a native species of tree to the United States—and that's a problem. The tree is originally native to China, and it is an extremely prolific pollinator. The offspring of a Bradford pear can end up displacing native trees and plants, affecting an area's biodiversity and local ecosystem.

They Have a Weak Branch Structure

Another huge issue with the Bradford pear is that its branches, which arch upward in a graceful manner that many people find pleasing, are actually quite fragile. The rapid growth of these trees and their dense, upright canopies make for thin, narrow branches with sharp angles that are very susceptible to breaking due to high winds, heavy rains, or ice.

They Have a Limited Lifespan

The trees typically only live for about 20 years, which means that if you aren't sure when your tree was planted, it may already be close to dying off. Having to suddenly remove and replace a dead or dying tree can catch you off guard, so it may simply be wiser to do it under more controlled circumstances.

They Smell Terrible

People may love the look of Bradford pear trees in the spring, but they don't love the smell—for good reason. Those beautiful blossoms emit an odor that has been described as similar to the smell of rotting fish, which can make spending time in your yard distinctly unpleasant.

What Alternatives to the Bradford Pear Can You Choose?

Ideally, replace your Bradford pear with an alternative that is native to U.S. soil so that you can avoid upsetting your local ecosystem. Once you engage a tree service to remove it, you may want to consult with their experts on a potential replacement. In the meantime, discover some possibilities to consider:

• Kousa Dogwood: This is a particularly versatile tree, whether you just admire it for its beautiful white blossoms (which come without the stink that you get with a Bradford pear) or the fact that wildlife is fond of its berries.
• White Crabapple: Although humans aren't able to consume the fruit of these trees, this is another one that wildlife seems to love. Plus, they're hardy in most types of weather and soils and make for stunning visuals when they're in bloom.
• Serviceberry: You won't even miss the white blooms from your Bradford pear when you have a serviceberry tree in your yard. Aside from gorgeous spring flowers, it also has interesting blue-green leaves that turn a vibrant red when fall comes.
• Umbrella Tree: This is actually a type of magnolia, which you can tell when the flowers start to bloom. It gains its name because the flowers look rather like little umbrellas. This is a lovely, old-fashioned tree that has a distinctive multi-trunked appearance. 

At Cadieu Tree Experts, Inc, we can help you handle all your tree concerns, from removal and stump grinding to installation. Contact us for more information.