Experts say Bradford pear trees crowd out plants native to Tennessee
In undeveloped land and forested areas where they are left to multiply and spread on their own, they can easily be seen taking over the territory — but some experts said they should be banned.
FEBRUARY: Resolution seeks study on impact of Bradford pear tree in Tennessee
In February, Rep. Clay Doggett proposed a resolution urging the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture to complete a comprehensive study about the effect of Bradford pear trees on agriculture and forestry in the state. This resolution recently passed in the state House of Representatives and will head to the state Senate.
Agricultural and natural resources extension agent Amy Dunlap, who works with the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University extension in Davidson County, explained the tree's downside.
'The Bradford Pear is invasive,' Dunlap said. 'It doesn't offer as many benefits for wildlife, but it also is, unfortunately, able to out-compete a lot of our native species. When it comes to the competition for resources — whether it's nutrients, space [or] sunlight — those Bradford pears can typically do better than some of our native species. We are seeing an imbalance and an over-representation of them.'
Dunlap said if you're a property owner, the UT-TSU Extension is available to recommend the right types of plants and trees for your land.
'One of the big things we teach in a lot of our curriculum and classes is picking the right plant for the right place,' Dunlap said. 'Not always, but a lot of the time, that means turning towards our native Tennessee species. Not only do they cause fewer issues in the long run, which is cheaper for the homeowner, but they're just very well adapted to our environment. They do provide for our native wildlife and other native species that might rely on them for a food source or for habitat.'
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You can follow this link to find out what plants and trees might be best on your property and to contact your county's agricultural extension agent
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