Each year, we see the Bradford Pear trees bloom, and we’re happy; spring is making an appearance. But with each bloom, we’re reminded why these trees are not ideal. Yes, they are pretty, but they are weak in structure, they compete with our native trees, and they smell terrible!
April is “Native Plant Month,” and it’s a good time to remind ourselves why native trees and plants are important; a focus Bradford Pears is a great place to start!
A Promising Start Gone Awry
The Bradford Pear tree … It was practically the poster child for the ideal American suburb tree: fast-growing, with lovely white blossoms, promising low maintenance and high appeal. Well, times have changed, and so has our understanding of this once-beloved tree.
With its fast growth, beautiful white spring flowers, and neat, rounded shape, the Bradford Pear seemed the ideal choice for many American landscapes. Its promise of sterility was particularly appealing, suggesting it would not seed and become invasive (unlike the dreaded Mimosa tree!). However, like many well-intentioned human interventions in nature, the outcome was unpredictably contrary.
The Bradford Pear cross-pollinated with other pear trees, leading to a generation of fertile seeds that have aggressively spread across various landscapes and now compete with our native trees. This invasive behavior, coupled with a lifespan notably shorter than many native alternatives, has marred its once positive reputation.
David Bates Weighs In: A Guide to Action
David Bates of Bates Nursery and Garden Center has been at the forefront of advocating for a shift away from Bradford Pears for 25 years. When asked to weigh in on the topic, he offered a three-step action plan:
- Removal and Replacement: “Consider removing Bradford Pear trees and opting for native tree species,” David suggests. This not only helps in restoring ecological balance but also supports local wildlife. The process involves thorough removal, including stump grinding and diligent removal of any new shoots.
- Education and Awareness: David champions the cause of educating the public about the Bradford Pear’s downsides. He promotes understanding and action within the community through efforts like “The Bradford Pear Eradication Society” (a fictitious organization he’s been referencing for over 25 years!). But, seriously, talk about this on neighborhood listserves, social media, etc.
- Regular Maintenance: For those still living with Bradford Pears, David emphasizes the importance of maintenance to mitigate risks, though he advises against their retention due to their problematic nature.
Why Go Native?
The shift to native trees isn’t just about moving away from Bradford Pears; it’s about embracing a host of benefits.
- Ecosystem Support: Native trees offer habitats and food sources for local wildlife, supporting birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Longevity and Resilience: Adapted to local conditions, native trees tend to be more resilient and long-living, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Reduced Maintenance: Being naturally suited to the local climate and soil, native trees generally require less maintenance in terms of watering, fertilizing, and disease control.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Replacing Bradford Pears opens up a world of possibilities. When selecting replacement trees, David emphasizes that we should “consider native species that are well-adapted and provide ecological benefits such as habitat for wildlife and soil stabilization. Some examples of suitable native trees include oaks, maples, hickories, dogwoods, or redbuds. Nearly any tree, whether native or not, is a far superior choice, so long as it is NOT another ornamental pear cultivar.”
How to Change Out Bradford Pears for Native Alternatives
If you have Bradford Pears, consider a focus this spring on removal and prepare to plant native trees this fall. Removing them requires grinding the stumps and allowing the soil to settle, creating the perfect conditions for introducing native species later in the fall.
A Greener Tomorrow
As we move forward, rethinking our approach to landscaping and the species we plant, the story of the Bradford Pear serves as a valuable lesson. It’s a reminder that our choices have impacts beyond our own backyards, influencing local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Visiting local nurseries allows you to engage with experts who offer a wealth of knowledge to empower and help you make informed decisions. These choices enhance the beauty of our surroundings and contribute to the health and vibrancy of our local environments.
In embracing native species, we’re not just replacing a problematic tree; we’re investing in the future of our landscapes. We’re choosing trees that will grow with us, supporting a richer, more diverse ecosystem that benefits us all.
Weed Wrangle Day — Nashville
If you are really passionate about removing invasive plants, get involved with Nashville’s Weed Wrangle Day, which occurs annually, typically in early March. Follow Weed Wrangle on Instagram to learn about future opportunities to get involved!
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