Resolution seeks study on impact of Bradford pear tree in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — There is a new proposal to look at the effects of a well-known tree that some say should be banned in Tennessee, the Bradford pear.

Rep. Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski) is encouraging colleagues to support a statewide study of the impact of the Bradford pear. Experts believe many of the impacts are negative, including the crowding out native plants, the trees’ rapid spread and the vulnerability of the tree to strong storms.

The resolution claims the Bradford Pear is now in more than half the counties in Tennessee.

“They just disrupt ecosystems, I definitely think they should not be planted in any capacity whatsoever, any outright ban would be a win for the state of Tennessee,” explained Jason Sprouls with the Nashville Tree Foundation.

South Carolina has just joined the list of states banning the Bradford pear tree, which includes Ohio and Pennsylvania. Other states are also considering bans.

The resolution will be discussed Tuesday by a state house committee, which would urge the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to do a study looking at the effect the Bradford pear tree has on agriculture and forestry in the state.