This Popular New York Tree is Banned in Other States

There's a tree blooming all across the Hudson Valley, and it's making many plant professionals furious.

While there's plenty to celebrate during a New York spring, like the tulip festival at Kelder's Farm or camping on a Revolutionary War battleground, one of the most-hated trees in the state is trying to rain on our parade.

Bradford or Callery pear trees were once planted in abundance. Now, they're looked at as an invasive species (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Invasive Trees in New York State

While the tree is beautiful to look at in full bloom, arborists say it can cause a laundry list of issues. From their foul smell to weak limbs that can easily snap, the tree's beauty may not be enough to make up for the litany of shortcomings. They've even been banned in several states. Can you name the culprit?

Issues with Bradford pear trees include terrible-smelling flowers and branches that can easily break (TSM Poughkeepsie)

The Invasive Bradford Pear Tree in New York State

The Bradford (or Callery) pear tree, now classified as an invasive species in many states, will soon be illegal to sell in South Carolina. North Carolina has started a project to eliminate the tree in their state as well, offering residents "replacement trees" for each Bradford pear that is removed. At least 13 states have bans or other programs in place to fight the tree's spread... so why are they still so popular in New York?

Read More: Why You Need to Know About 100-Foot 'Melon Trees' in New York

While certain New York institutions may be looking at options to curb the spread of the infamous tree, there are currently no bans or buy-back programs in place. Many professionals say that New Yorkers looking for options to beautify their property with trees should look past this invasive choice.

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While the Bradford and Callery pear trees are not currently banned in New York, there are nearly 100 plants that are (no, our four carnivorous plants are not on the list). Take a look at some more to look out for below.

New York State's Invasive Plants To Be On The Lookout For

These seven invasive plants have become a nuisance to the wildlife and people living in New York State. Learn more about them and how to remove them at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.

5 of New York's Most Devastating Invasive Species

Here are 5 species that have invaded New York State and in some cases they must be killed. We are talking about fish that walk on land, plants that cause severe burns and insects that could wipe out a variety of crops that we rely on.

Keep an eye out for these species and you hike, work around the yard or do some fishing this year. Should you locate any of these it is important to report where and when you found them to the New York State DEC.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

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