Why It’s Time to Cut Down Your Bradford Pear Tree

If you’ve lived in Missouri long enough, you’ve seen them—those early spring trees covered in bright white blooms. The Bradford pear (also known as Callery pear) was once a go-to landscape favorite. But today, it’s widely considered one of the worst trees you can have in your yard.

At Colonial Farms, we’re often asked: Should I remove mine?
Short answer: yes—and here’s why.

What Is a Bradford Pear Tree?

The Bradford pear is a cultivar of the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), originally introduced to the United States in the early 1900s for ornamental use and disease resistance.

It became popular because it grows quickly, adapts to many conditions, and produces showy white flowers in early spring.

Unfortunately, those benefits come with some serious downsides.

The Problem: It’s Invasive in Missouri

Bradford pear trees are now classified as invasive across Missouri.

They spread aggressively by cross-pollinating with other pear varieties, producing fertile seeds that are carried by birds and wind. Over time, they escape into natural areas and form dense thickets.

This creates real problems:

• They crowd out native plants
• They reduce habitat quality for wildlife
• They disrupt natural ecosystems across fields, forests, and roadsides

Because of this, Missouri has taken action to phase them out—including legislation banning their sale in the future.

Structural Issues: A Tree That Breaks Itself

Even if you ignore the environmental impact, Bradford pears are simply not great landscape trees long-term.

They’re known for:

• Weak branch structure
• Limbs that split during wind, ice, or storms
• Short lifespans compared to other trees

Many homeowners end up removing them eventually due to storm damage or safety concerns.

Not-So-Pleasant Blooms

Those beautiful white blooms come with a catch—they produce a strong, often unpleasant odor that many people don’t expect.

It’s one of the most common complaints about Bradford pears, and once you notice it, it’s hard to ignore.

Why Removal Matters

Cutting down Bradford pear trees isn’t just about improving your yard—it’s about protecting Missouri’s landscape.

Removing even one tree helps:

• Slow the spread of invasive populations
• Support native ecosystems
• Make space for healthier, longer-lasting trees

In fact, conservation groups across Missouri actively encourage removal as part of statewide efforts to control the species.

What Should You Plant Instead?

There are plenty of native (and non-invasive) trees that provide the same seasonal beauty—without the downsides.

Great alternatives include:

• Eastern redbud
• Serviceberry
• American hornbeam
• Yellowwood

These options support local wildlife, grow more reliably, and won’t take over your landscape.