JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — One of the first signs of spring is the white flowers blooming on a Bradford pear tree. However, some lawmakers highlight that these trees are bad for Tennessee.
The Bradford pear tree, already banned in three states, is now under scrutiny in Tennessee. Rep. Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski) is encouraging colleagues to support a statewide study of the negative, or otherwise, impact of the Bradford pear tree. House Resolution 150, which Doggett sponsors, has passed unanimously and is headed to the Senate for consideration.
Resolution seeks study on impact of Bradford pear tree in Tennessee
According to the resolution, the tree grows in more than half the counties in Tennessee and is invasive, brittle, smelly, and damaging to the ecosystem.
Despite this, Bradford pears are still sold at local nurseries like Evergreen of Johnson City. Operations manager Andrew Valk said he often tells customers there are much better options…