States are banning the foul-smelling Bradford pear tree. Should Oklahoma do the same?
These trees may be aesthetically pleasing, and their blooms often signal the start of spring, but for many the odor they give off is to much to bear.
Bradford pear trees are a common sight in Oklahoma, but along with their smell — which some have described as resembling rotting fish — the trees are considered invasive and a threat to native plants.
Some states have gone as far as to ban purchase and selling of the trees — should Oklahoma be next?
Here's what we know about efforts to ban the trees in other states, and the best remedy for getting rid of the trees smelly presence in your yard.
Which states have banned the Bradford pear tree?
States that have banned selling, planting or propagating the trees:
States considering a ban on Bradford pear trees:
Why Bradford pear trees are bad
Bradford pear trees are a variety of the callery pear, which was introduced to the U.S. from Asia in the early 1900s in an attempt to fight the fire blight of the common pear.
The seeds of these trees are easily dispersed by birds, which allows them to "invade open spaces such as pastures, grassland and open woodlands," according to the OSU Extension. The trees grow quickly and form dense thickets, shading out native species and changing plant and wildlife communities.
The dense structure of the tree makes it a good roosting place for gregarious blackbirds, grackles and starlings, which are problematic in urban areas.
Also, the trees are weak and easily damaged by ice and wind, spelling trouble for utilities during bad weather.
And, of course, OSU Extension notes that the flowers that bloom in the spring produce an unpleasant smell of rotting fish.
Why do Bradford pear trees smell so bad?
The rotting smell the tree exudes is to attract pollinators and the unpleasant smell lingers until the white flowers fall off.
What's that smell? Bradford pear trees are blooming in OKC — here's what to know
Do Bradford pear trees produce fruit?
The original trees were bred to be sterile, but the hybrid, invasive trees do produce fruit. The fruits are not edible to humans, but birds do eat them.
What are native tree alternatives to Bradford pears?
OSU Extension recommends these native trees to plant as an alternative to the pretty but harmful Bradford pear trees:
Eastern redbud
American plum
Mexican plum
Carolina buckthorn
How to get rid of Bradford pear trees?
The Extension also recommends having "zero tolerance" for the tree species, and in addition to not planting them, Oklahomans should actually start removing the trees they can.
The trees must be completely uprooted, or the use of herbicides is recommended. Mowing is not effective as the trees will resprout.
Contributing: Diana Leyva, The Tennessean
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: States are banning Bradford pear trees. Should Oklahoma do the same?
