With warmer spring weather arriving and many plants and trees across the state showing their beautiful blooms, the Nebraska Forest Service issued a recent reminder that some trees are beautiful but dangerous to native growth.
Ornamental pear, or Pyrus calleryana, is escaping into natural areas in the state and becoming invasive. The social media post from the Nebraska Forest Service gave several ways that Nebraskans can do to help:
1) Don’t plant ornamental pears. (fruit trees are just fine!). There are lots of other great species that flower: crabapple, serviceberry, redbud, hawthorn, dogwood etc. We always recommend planting a shade tree if you have the room!
2) Communities should consider removing ornamental pears from street tree lists.
3) Ornamental pear trees are blooming now, so it is the perfect time to locate them. Property managers should check natural areas for ornamental pear spread.
4) If ornamental pears are found, we recommend removal to stop further spread
According to Invasive.org, once established, Callery pear forms dense thickets that push out other plants including native species that can’t tolerate the deep shade or compete with pear for water, soil and space. A single tree can spread rapidly by seed and vetetative means forming a sizeable patch within several years. Its success as an invader results from its capacity to produce large amounts of seed that are dispersed by birds and small animals.
The article goes on to encourage not planting Callery pear as well as the well known Bradford pear. Seedlings and shallow-rooted plants can be pulled when soil is moist. Medium to large trees should be cut down and stumps treated with a systemic glyphosate or triclopyr-based herbicide.
