If you live in North Texas, you’ve probably seen Bradford pear trees lining streets and neighborhoods each spring. They bloom early, look beautiful from a distance, and seem like the perfect ornamental tree… until you get closer. Then the questions start—especially this one:
Do Bradford pear trees actually produce fruit?
The short answer: Yes, they do—but not the kind you’d want.
Bradford pear trees start out as sterile hybrids, which is why they were originally promoted as a “fruitless” ornamental tree. But once they cross-pollinate with other pear varieties (and they almost always do), they begin producing small, hard, foul-smelling fruit that birds spread far and wide. This leads to the explosive growth of invasive Callery pears in fields, parks, and neighborhoods across Texas and much of the U.S.
Over time, these once-popular trees have become more notorious than admired—not just for their messy fruit, but for their brittle limb structure and tendency to split during storms.
According to Torres Tree Service, “Many homeowners are surprised by how quickly these trees become a problem once they mature.” This is especially true once the fruit production and invasive spreading begin.
Why Bradford Pear Trees Start Producing Fruit
Even though Bradfords were bred to be fruitless, they’re part of the larger Callery pear family. When they cross-pollinate with other ornamental pears nearby, they regain their ability to produce seeds. Those seeds grow into thorny, wild pear trees that multiply aggressively.
So while your Bradford might start off clean and fruitless, over the years it can turn into a messy, smelly, fruit-dropping tree that spreads invasive offspring into nearby green spaces.
Are Bradford Pear Fruits Edible?
Nope. Bradford pear fruit is not poisonous, but it’s definitely not something you’ll want to eat.
The fruit is tiny, gritty, and bitter, and has a strong, unpleasant odor—one more reason many homeowners eventually regret planting these trees.
Should You Remove Your Bradford Pear Tree?
Because of their tendency to split, create yard mess, and contribute to invasive growth, many homeowners choose to remove their Bradford pears once they mature.
If you’re considering taking one down—or replacing it with a more reliable species—this guide can help:
👉 Read: How to Remove Small Trees
It walks you through safe DIY steps, tools you’ll need, and when to call in a professional.
Do Bradford Pear Trees Produce Fruit? – Quick Reference Chart
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Do Bradford pears produce fruit? | Yes—small, hard, marble-sized fruit that becomes messy when it falls. |
| Is the fruit edible? | No. It’s not toxic, but it is extremely unpleasant and not considered edible. |
| Does the fruit cause problems? | Yes—fallen fruit can attract wildlife, create slippery sidewalks, and contribute to the spread of invasive pear varieties. |
| Do these trees cross-pollinate? | Yes. Bradford pears cross-pollinate with other Callery pear varieties and produce viable seeds. |
| Do they spread invasively? | Absolutely. The seeds spread quickly via birds and wildlife, leading to dense, thorny thickets. |
Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Plant Bradford Pear Trees
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They’re invasive and spread aggressively through cross-pollination.
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Weak branch structure makes them prone to splitting during storms.
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Short lifespan—often only 15–25 years before structural failure.
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Bad odor when blooming (the flowers smell like rotting fish).
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Messy fruit that drops and attracts birds, raccoons, and rodents.
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Creates thorny, fast-growing wild pears that choke out native plants.
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Costly to remove once the tree splits or becomes hazardous.
Final Thoughts
Does a Bradford pear tree produce fruit? Yes—and that fruit can lead to unexpected problems for both your yard and the wider ecosystem. While they may look pretty for a few weeks in spring, the long-term issues often outweigh the short-term beauty.
If your Bradford is becoming more trouble than it’s worth, Torres Tree Service can help you remove it safely and recommend better, stronger, non-invasive alternatives.
