WHEN it comes to landscaping, don’t be fooled by a tree with gorgeous blooming flowers.
It may look like a beautiful addition to your yard, but its scent could leave you gagging.
Not only does it produce bitter fruit that isn’t edible, but it also smells rotten.
Michelle Campanis, the education coordinator at the University of Tennessee Arboretum, weighed in on the stinky trees.
“Some counties offer homeowners a bounty if they remove their Bradford pear trees,” she told Oakridger.
“As a reward, they are given native replacement trees.”
The trees are also invasive, which can cause damage to nearby plants, disrupting the ecosystem.
The Bradford pear trees have wreaked so much havoc that they’re banned in three states.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina all prohibit the selling or planting of Bradford pear trees.
Many other states are considering following suit.
While they may enhance curb appeal, the look of the tree just isn’t worth it.
Planting one on your property could also devalue your home.
Those who already have Bradford pear trees on their lawn are encouraged to remove them, despite their short lifespan.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, they only bloom in the early spring.
They were described as having a “vomit” smell by GardeningKnowHow.
Many people are becoming aware of the smelly yet beautiful trees and spreading awareness about the harm they can cause a community.
Redditor Specialist_heron_986 shared his experience on the social media platform.
“Bradford pears stink,” he said.
He called out “whoever was responsible for bringing these stinky, brittle, and invasive Bradford pear trees to Ohio tree lawns.”
Specialist_heron_986 added that they may look nice for a short time throughout the year but the smell is unbearable.
“The air downwind from blooming pear trees is best described as ‘indecent,'” he said.
Another Redditor agreed with his assessment.
“Ours don’t smell for whatever reason, but they’re absolutely terrible for the ecosystem, have a relatively short lifespan, break easily, and they really aren’t meant for this climate,” they commented.
“Banning their sale should’ve happened decades ago.”
