In this WHYY PBS article, Jason Parker from Davey's North Philadelphia office shares information about Pennsylvania's new ban on callery pear trees.

Posted: May 06, 2024

Sought after for its fluffy white blossoms, the Callery pear tree has been a popular feature on people’s lawns for decades.Callery Pear buds

The ornamental tree, known for its pungent and sometimes foul smell, is one of the first to bloom in early spring.

“I think the biggest reason that they’re popular is because of the showy white flowers, and because the canopy stays relatively narrow,” said arborist Jason Parker, of Davey Tree Company. “So in a development, it was a good tree to plant in peoples’ front yards — it kind of increases the curb appeal.”

However, birds and other animals can spread the seeds, so the trees grow vastly and crowd out native plants, disrupting ecosystems.

Pennsylvania stopped the sale of the majestic tree, native to Asia, in February. The state, which added the tree to its noxious weed list in 2021, is just one of more than a dozen that have recently banned — or want to ban — the tree.

To read more of Jason's information, click here.

For more information, contact the North Philadelphia Davey office.

The Davey Tree Expert Company, headquartered in Kent, Ohio, provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. As one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S., Davey's 12,000 employees have been dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions since 1880. Apply today to join the Davey legacy, and learn about how we're growing with our new SEED Campus

Other News Posts

Screenshot 2025 10 07 095537
Davey In The News

The Art of STEM and Climbing Trees with Betsy Kling

Arborist skills trainer Rick Denbeau walks Cleveland’s Betsy Kling through the basics of tree climbing, covering throw line techniques, teamwork in the field and the advancements Davey is making in the green industry.
Read More
028A0968 4936X6170 428Be4f
Davey In The News

Warmest Weekend Yet in Albany This Fall

Scott Morris from Davey's Albany office talks about the high temperatures this autumn season, as well as the climate's effect on fall foliage. 
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!