Pungent Odor Spreads Across Columbus as Banned Bradford Pears Bloom
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A distinctive and unpleasant smell is wafting through neighborhoods across central Ohio as thousands of Bradford pear trees begin their annual spring bloom, despite the species being banned from sale and planting in the state.
The trees, which produce white flowers that emit a fishy, rotting odor, are currently at peak bloom throughout the Columbus area. Ohio officially banned the sale and planting of Bradford pears in January 2023, but existing trees continue to flourish and spread.
Why the Trees Were Banned
State environmental officials banned Bradford pears because they are highly invasive and crowd out native Ohio plant species. The trees reproduce rapidly and spread aggressively, taking over natural areas and reducing biodiversity.
“These trees may look pretty when they bloom, but they’re causing serious ecological damage,” said officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “They outcompete native plants that wildlife depends on for food and shelter.”
The Source of the Smell
The offensive odor comes from the tree’s flowers, which contain trimethylamine — the same compound that gives rotting fish their distinctive smell. The trees use this pungent scent to attract flies and beetles for pollination, rather than bees like most flowering plants.
Many Columbus residents have been posting on social media asking about the strange smell, particularly in areas with heavy concentrations of the trees. The odor typically lasts for about two weeks while the trees are in full bloom.
Removal Efforts Underway
While new plantings are prohibited, property owners are not required to remove existing Bradford pear trees. However, many municipalities and environmental groups are encouraging voluntary removal and offering native tree alternatives.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has launched education campaigns to help residents identify Bradford pears and understand their environmental impact. The department recommends replacing them with native species like serviceberry, redbud, or flowering dogwood.
Bradford pears were originally imported from Asia and became popular landscaping trees in the 1960s because of their rapid growth and showy spring blooms. However, their invasive nature wasn’t fully understood until decades later when they began taking over natural areas across the Midwest.
The trees are also structurally weak and prone to breaking during storms, creating additional safety and maintenance concerns for property owners.
Sources: FOX 8 Cleveland
