MDC discourages invasive ornamental pear tree

Blooming Bradford pear trees form a canopy over the driveway of the parking lot of State Courts Administrator building at 2112 industrial Drive.
Blooming Bradford pear trees form a canopy over the driveway of the parking lot of State Courts Administrator building at 2112 industrial Drive.

The Bradford pear: a tree that has decorated American yards for more than 60 years. They dot the Missouri Capitol grounds and line the 100 block of East McCarty Street's north side. Their white spring flowers signify winter has finally ended. The pears provide food for birds, who carry the seeds to sow in the wild. Far from the manicured lawns, Bradfords' petals fall like snowflakes to forest floors.

Unfortunately, this invasive Asian species doesn't coexist well in the native Missouri ecosystem. The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging property owners and managers against planting the tree, because it is harmful to other plants that support wildlife.

Forestry Field Program Supervisor Russell Hinnah said the department is promoting other ornate trees for landscaping needs, such as serviceberry, eastern redbuds and the flowering dogwood - Missouri's state tree that also has white spring petals.

"There are a lot of different native trees to choose from," Hinnah said. "We aren't necessarily asking homeowners to cut down their Bradfords, though that would help. Just consider planting something else instead."

The Bradford (aka Callery) pear originated in China and Vietnam, according to the National Parks Service. The 30-50-foot tree was introduced to the U.S. in 1909, and the Department of Agriculture bred it with the common pear species to develop resistance to blight disease withering the commercial industry in 1916.

Farmers must have taken notice of its pretty spring flowers, but Bradfords weren't cultivated for their beauty until the '50s. Then, companies began producing hardy ornamentals that weren't able pollinate with themselves to produce viable seeds. But, the species proved capable of cross-pollinating without the aid of agriculture. Bradfords crossed with other pears, and now their wild offspring have multiple genetic makeups, can tolerate shade or drought and feature long sharp thorns that can flatten tires.

"Different varieties of Bradford pear trees were planted close to each other, which allowed them to cross-pollinate and take over natural areas," Hinnah said.

Bradfords don't live very long. Due to rapid growth, weak wood and a poor branch structure, the trees eventually can't hold themselves together. Hinnah said that is another reason homeowners should consider planting different trees. "They're also a poor landscaping choice because they don't do well in storms, often losing limbs or splitting apart."

Longfellow's Garden Center Inc. quit selling Bradfords about 20 years ago, because of the trees' weak structure and short lifespan of 15-25 years. "What's the point of carrying something that is just going to be problem for somebody down the road?" owner Alice Longfellow said. "When the pear was first introduced, we were (sure) it couldn't cross-pollinate with anything to produce fruit. Well, it has. I see the young trees coming up in waste areas."

Hinnah said clusters of Bradfords are only beginning to take over sections of forests around Jefferson City. But, the problem has become severe around West Plains, and the Capital City may not be far behind. Clusters of Bradfords are already growing in several places along Missouri 179.

According to the National Parks Service, seedlings and shallow-rooted Bradfords can be pulled from moist soil, but larger trees should be cut down and stumps carefully treated with a system glyphosate or triclopyr-based herbicides, which usually kill plants within a week and are sold by brands like Roundup Pro and Rodeo.

Missouri Wildlife Nursery Office Manager Pam Jones said customers have voiced interest in replacing Bradfords with other species. "(The customers) had one tree, and it ended up it went to seed, and now they're all down their hillside."

The nursery offers a list of native plants to replace Bradfords that offer benefits to either hummingbirds, butterflies or swallowtails. "They'll feed the birds, and they're not invasive," Jones said.

The Conservation Department encourages people to plant the right tree for the right place. Consider the tree's purpose, whether for shade, wildlife habitat or simple decoration. Avoid planting trees where they will enter or move drainage pipes or other utilities. Consider how much space is available and how large the tree is likely to grow. For example, large shade trees should be planted at least 45 feet from overhead utility wires.

The department stated shade trees like oak and hard maple are more beneficial than ornamentals. Homes in their shadows save energy. They produce more oxygen and remove 60-70 times more pollution than small trees like the Bradford pear.