Joplin Asks Residents To Stop Planting Invasive Tree Variety [View all]

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — The city of Joplin is discouraging homeowners from planting Bradford pear trees as the invasive variety begins to blossom downtown this spring.

The move comes two years after the Missouri Department of Conservation started asking homeowners and landscapers to stop planting the trees, which are resistant to diseases and pests, the Joplin Globe reported .

The Bradford pears, also known as Callery pear, gained popularity for decades because of their beautiful blooms, fast growth and affordable price, according to city and state officials. But the invasive trees spread quickly and at the expense of other native plants and animals, said community forester Jon Skinner of the state conservation agency.

"An invasive Callery pear can take over an environment, because you get so many," Skinner said. "The dense canopy shades out native vegetation, and you'll lose a habitat for wildlife below."

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