That Stinky Tree – All About the Bradford Pear and Its Fishy Smell

The Bradford pear tree is a popular ornamental tree known for its early spring blooms of white flowers. However, this tree also emits a distinct, unpleasant odor that has been compared to the smell of rotting fish. In this article, we’ll explore why the Bradford pear smells so bad and look at its pros, cons, and growing reputation as an invasive plant.

The Bradford pear also known as the Callery pear was brought to the United States from Asia in the early 1900s. It became a beloved landscaping tree due to its rapid growth rate, oval-shaped canopy, and early spring blooms.

The tree flowers in early spring, bearing clustered white blooms. This gives the Bradford pear a picturesque look for 2-3 weeks in March or April. However, when those flowers start to fall off the tree, that’s when the stench begins.

Why Does the Bradford Pear Smell So Bad?

The primary reason the Bradford pear tree smells so strongly is due to a chemical compound called methyl anthranilate This chemical is found in the tree’s flowers and is known for its very pungent, almost fishy odor

Methyl anthranilate serves as a pollinator lure and functions to attract insects to the flowers for pollination. Some describe the smell as rotten eggs or fish, while others liken it to the odor of acetic acid. Either way, the stench is very strong and unpleasant for nearby homeowners.

The smell is most noticeable when the flowers start to fall from the tree and litter the ground below. Some estimate that just a few trees can make an entire neighborhood reek for up to two weeks in the spring. The warmer and more humid it is, the worse the odor becomes.

Other Pros and Cons of the Bradford Pear

Beyond its stench, the Bradford pear tree has other disadvantages and advantages that are important to consider:

Pros

• Grows quickly with minimal care
• Provides ample shade
• Produces a uniform, symmetrical shape
• Offers spring flowers and fall leaf colors

Cons

• Brittle branches prone to breakage
• Short lifespan of just 15-20 years
• Non-native and invasive in many areas
• No ornamental or edible fruit

The Bradford pear grows rapidly when young, but often splits apart or deteriorates once mature. It also tends to invade native ecosystems, pushing out plants that provide better food and habitat for wildlife.

The Bradford Pear: An Invasive Species Threat

While the Bradford pear made an attractive addition to many landscapes after being introduced in the 1960s, it has now become an invasive species threat across much of the Eastern and Southern United States.

The tree spreads quickly and outcompetes native species because it:

• Grows densely to form thorny thickets
• Produces abundant seeds that birds distribute
• Cross-pollinates with other pear varieties to produce fertile seeds
• Lacks native diseases and pests to keep it controlled

Several states now prohibit the sale and transport of Bradford pears. Some places are even offering bounties for removing existing trees, as the species is overtaking fields, roadsides, and forest edges.

In South Carolina, Bradford pears are estimated to cause $13 million per year in control efforts and economic harm. Cities like Columbia, SC have made it illegal to plant new Bradford pears on public and private property.

Removing and Replacing Bradford Pear Trees

Homeowners with existing Bradford pear trees have a few options:

1. Immediately remove the tree if it shows signs of disease or damage. The wood is brittle and trees often split apart at maturity. Take the opportunity to remove the tree while still small enough to safely extract.

2. Slowly replace the tree with a non-invasive alternative. Native tree options like redbud, serviceberry, dogwood, and fringe tree provide beauty without the invasiveness of Callery pears.

3. Cut off the tree’s flower heads before they bloom. This prevents cross-pollination and seed spread to new areas. Just be sure to capture and dispose of the cuttings.

4. Girdle the trunk to stunt growth. Cut a ring around the inner bark and cambium, stopping nutrients and slowly killing the tree over 1-3 years.

Be sure to hire professionals to safely remove large Bradford pear trees. Cutting the tree down without chemicals or grinding out the stump will simply allow new shoots to form and regrow. Follow local regulations for disposing of Bradford pear limbs, leaves, and debris as well.

Enjoying Bradford Pears Without Planting New Trees

The Bradford pear became popular for good reasons – it’s visually appealing, fast growing, and thrives in urban conditions. However, we now know this tree comes with downsides like its odor, invasiveness, and structural weakness.

The good news is that you can still enjoy the spring blooms of neighborhood Bradford pear trees each year without planting new ones yourself. Just be aware of the potential downsides and impacts before planting a Callery pear on your own property. With this knowledge, you can make informed landscaping decisions to keep your yard and community safe from invasive pests.