DO NOT PLANT Callery Pear trees, also known as Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana). There are several reasons why you should not plant them. Even though they look pretty, have a nice shape with white spring flowers, their flowers are stinky, having a very foul and heavy smell. They are structurally weak and split easily in high winds. They pollinate with other plants and are covering large areas of open space. Bradford Pear tree offspring are reverting back to the ancient Callery Pear from China that creates thorny thickets choking the life out of pines, dogwoods maples, redbuds, oaks and more. Most landscaping companies sell these trees, but please ask them about alternatives.
DO PLANT flowering trees that are native to our area. They attract pollinators with their beautiful spring flowers and are a lovely addition to any landscape. Native trees thrive in their own habitat. Here are some great trees to plant:
Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondi)
For more information on native plants and trees visit:
Indiana Native Plant & Wildlife Society: inpaws.org
Save the Dunes: savedunes.org
Or ask a Master Gardener.