Removal of invasive pear trees encouraged
Mar. 24—State conservation officials are urging homeowners to take down a particular type of tree on their property.
Callery pear trees, also called Bradford pear trees, and their white blooms can be seen in neighborhoods all over the region. The reason for the concern has to do with the invasive nature of the trees.
Dr. Tilottama Roy, a botanist at Missouri Western State University, said what started as an early blooming decorative tree has become a fast-growing menace to native plants and birds.
"These trees were brought in from southeastern Asia because of their flowers, which bloom early," Roy said. "They were thought to be sterile, but now we know that is not true. When they cross-pollinate, they can go haywire and they outcompete native species, and this is what the Bradford pear trees have done."
Roy said the rapid growth of the trees can destroy the prairie lands of Kansas and Missouri. They also can choke out attempts to grow native plants. In fact, Roy said many of the trees seen on the side of the road while driving through Missouri and Kansas are not the result of intentional planning. The fast spread of this invasive plant has caused an almost uncontrollable explosion.
Another problem with these trees is that they are unstable and tend to split and fall easily. This can affect power lines and cause a mess when they fall, according to Lonnie Mossburger, a forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation.
"They do have disease issues when they mature," Mossburger said. "Ice storms or heavy snows can be particularly hard on them and cause a mess. Plus, the ones reproduced by seed can also have thorns."
Both Roy and Mossburger suggest taking out Bradford pear trees and replacing them with native plants. Suggestions include red buds or downy serviceberries. Flowering dogwoods have a similar look and are native to Missouri, but they have trouble growing north of Interstate 70.
Several states, like Ohio and Pennsylvania, already have banned Callery pear trees altogether. Legislation is being considered in Missouri, but it is still in committee.
In the meantime, the Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council to institute a buy-back program for Callery pear trees. Those who wish to exchange one for an indigenous tree can go to the Invasive Plant Council website at moinvasives.org, fill out a form and exchange the tree at an authorized drop-off site, which in St. Joseph will be from 3 to 6 p.m., on Tuesday, April 23, in the Remington Nature Center parking lot.
Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at charles.christian@newspressnow.com. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.
