Also known as Callery Pear trees, these trees are invasive and harmful to local ecosystems. They are not native to the United States, though they have become unfortunately common. 

Why are these trees so harmful?

• They cross-pollinate rapidly.
• They grow large thorns that can damage farming equipment and lawn mowers.
• They are very weak and break easily in undesirable weather, causing damage.
• They can prevent grass from growing properly.
• They do nothing beneficial for anything other than aesthetics.

These trees do not give up easily, however, so getting rid of them can take some time. The roots need to be completely dug out, and the tree will try to grow more shoots for quite some time before giving up.

As an alternative, Maple or Oak trees will create shade and grow to be beneficial to neighboring organisms. Redbuds are smaller than Bradford Pears and grow to be just as pretty.

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