TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Be careful where you park your car this summer because it could cost you.
Last year state officials sought public input on a tree species that is causing harm to Kansas’ ecosystem. The trees are from the pear tree family and include Bradford, Cleveland Select, Chanticleer and other pear trees.
Callery pear trees, sometimes known as Bradford pears, are known for their strong, invasive roots that can damage sidewalks and plumbing. The trees can have branches snap off during severe weather which can cause property damage.
The sap that falls from the trees can cause paint jobs on vehicles to deteriorate. Tim Hicks of Tim’s Paint Works Collision Services of Topeka said he’s seen cars come into his shop with evidence of sap damage to paint.
A deep dive into Kansas’ most invasive species
“It will penetrate the clear coat,” Hicks said. “You would have to strip and reprime and refinish the hood. It would penetrate the clear coat and the base coat. You’d have to sand it down primer it and then refinish it.”