Posted on 12/05/2021 7:12:27 PM PST by Berlin_Freeper
Bringing the Bradford pear tree to Maine seemed like a good idea at the time.
Fast growing with early spring blooms of white flowers, the tree, also called callery pear, is a popular ornamental in the state. But it’s also an invasive species that smells incredibly bad and if it gets a foothold in Maine’s natural landscape, could have a devastating effect on native species.
That’s what is happening right now in the southern United States. It’s gotten so bad in South Carolina that officials there are planning to outlaw the sale and purchase of the tree by 2024 and offering a bounty to eradicate existing trees.
(Excerpt) Read more at wgme.com ...
Good. I hope they offer a bounty here. I’ll make a fortune on the ones that cross pollinate to a tree with thorns.
You run into these on your tractor, you'll hate them:
Maybe it could meet with an accident. Girdled by a weed eater?
I have a Bradford Pear tree in my front yard... It doesnt smell...
Maybe TN trees shower and wash their feet even if they dont wear shoes ...
If you use it to cook with, it will make your food taste bitter, so I’ve been told.
Yep. You have to be very careful when you cut them down.
I appreciate the suggestion. My HOA would make me plant another one.
HOAs are evil.
Could you propose another tree of similar size?
One tree we liked that we never had problems with it spreading is the Katsura. It’s aJapanese tree but the two I have known of, one we had and one a family member had, did not prove to be invasive, despite not being native.
It doesn’t flower but it’s a beautiful tree.
There are other native flowering tres, too. Serviceberry is one.
It is a fantastic firewood; make sure to burn it yourself or give it away!
It is a fantastic firewood; make sure to burn it yourself or give it away!
Along the highway as well I assume?
Pittsburgh has banned them entirely. They cross pollinate with other trees and create all sorts of problems.
I love his column!
They had those trees all over my college. They stink and are horribly messy.
B.S.
Most people who plant this tree want a cheap tree that grows fast and don’t know or care that 10-15 years later a windstorm will turn it into a pile of rubble.
This tree was developed by the USDA at a facility in Maryland just outside of DC.
And, like many things the FedGov has been involved in, is a complete piece of crap.
Say to your HOA, “OMG, last night, there was a windstorm that knocked down the tree!”
“Also, after that, vandals stole it roots and all and neatly landscaped my lawn where it had been!”
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